Sources:- http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/diwali.html
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Campus Life Blog#4 - 'Festival of Lights'
On November 6th 2009, UT's Indian Cultural Association hosted their annual 'Diwali festival' also known as 'Festival of lights.' Diwali is a five day Hindu festival that is celebrated by Indians throughout the world. The world Diwali means 'rows of lighted lamps' hence the 'festival of lights'. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during Diwali. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians. Since the organization started in fall 2006, they have been hosting this event every year. Majority of international students seem to get homesick throughout their stay in the United States, this is a way of helping them cope with that and bring a little bit of the festivities from home to them.
This year the Indian Cultural Association collaborated with HOLA [Latin Students Association] as it was their way to bring two different cultures together. The Latin students performed 'Jai Ho' [from the infamous movie slumdog millionaire] and the Indian students performed a traditional bollywood [Indian film industry] dance for the audience. Indian students could be seen putting henna on other students, this a major hit with students every year!Personally the best part of the event was the food. Traditionally on Diwali, Indians cooks vegetarian food as a form of respect to their religion, and the Indian Cultural Association followed the tradition and provided a delicious meal for everyone that attended the event. Overall it was a wonderful festival and it reminded me of home.
Sources:- http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/diwali.html
Sources:- http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/diwali.html
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