Colorado State University’s Indian Student Association has been providing the World Unity Fair with samosas, an Indian dish common across the country, for over 20 years.

The dish has a long history spanning across Asia. Samosas, believed to have originated in the Middle East around the ninth century, have gained worldwide popularity, particularly during historical periods of cultural exchange and culinary innovation.

Commonly filled with spiced potatoes and peas, and sometimes meat, these flakey samosas became a staple at celebrations and street food stalls. When fried, they could withstand long journeys and as globalization took hold, samosas transcended borders, becoming a globally appreciated snack.

Today, they stand as a testament to India’s culinary influence, blending tradition with widespread appeal.

Samosas are different throughout the many states in India. However, CSU student Amartya Maulik looks past that difference to see the commonality the food provides Indian students away from home.

“We more or less have a different form of samosas in every state in our India, so it’s a cohesive bond between all of us and was chosen as a representative of the whole of Indian foods that our students can relate to.” 

Vaishnavi Sonarikar, the president of ISA, substantiated the choice by sharing childhood memories of her family calling on the local halwai, or caterer, to provide samosas to her house when guests would show up. At times, these guests would admit to only coming to share an afternoon of samosas.

Likewise, Maulik shared memories of hours spent chatting around cups of chai and the snack. Samosas are not just a refreshment but a symbol of joy, celebration and communal togetherness.

Whether enjoyed during festivals, weddings or casual gatherings, samosas embody the spirit of sharing and hospitality that is deeply ingrained in Indian culture.

The association hosts events centered around food and performance throughout the year, the most notable being India Nite in the fall. They will be hosting elections this summer for their board to assist the more than 400 active members of the Indian student population at CSU.

Try samosas for yourself at the 68th annual World Unity Fair on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Grand Ballrooms.

For event details, visit col.st/worldfair.