By Jennifer Hanley
Indian Student Association to host Diwali celebration
The Indian Student Association is hosting “Diwali 2002: The Festival of Lights” November 2, 2002 in the Multipurpose room of the University of Louisville Student Activities Center starting at 6:30pm.
Diwali is perhaps the best known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities. Diwali to Hindus is like Christmas to Christians. It is celebrated the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which falls somewhere in October and November of every year. The word “Diwali” is translated to mean a row of lights and illumination is the major focus of the festival. Every home is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas (small earthen lamps) to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-colored Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lend splendor to this festival which brings joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year. It is equivalent to the American New Year.
In the recent years, U of L’s Diwali festival has been a main attraction for Indian students and surrounding Indian community. Students put together displays of native dance, song, and dress, representing the cultures in each of India’s twenty-five states. Students their programs up on a first come, first serve basis that ends up in a two-hour celebration of culture and unity. The event has been growing steadily for years. Last year, six hundred people were in attendance making the event the largest RSO event. It is an event that everyone is invited.
This year’s theme is Fusion and there will be a fashion show of ethnic wear. The event starts at 6:30pm with Indian food, provided by local restaurant, Shalimar. The event is co sponsored by SGA and the International Center. Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for non-students, and $15 at the door. For more information or tickets, contact Pankjai Sahastrabuddhe at (502) 500-5834, Asha Varghese at (502) 523-4463, or Aparna Shreeshankaran at (502) 767-3691. Visit the Indian Student Association’s webpage: www.louisville.edu/rso/isa.
