The Indian Students Association and the Hindu Students Organization hosted a Diwali celebration Thursday night from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Rose Theater.
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is a five-day religious holiday celebrated across India each year. Most of Southeast Asia observes it or a similar festival. The holiday represents the triumph of good over evil.
“It celebrates the return home of Lord Rama after defeating an evil demon, his way was lit up with lanterns by the people so that’s a big part of it,” said Chetana Stokes, member of the Hindu Students Organization on campus.
Traditionally, people celebrate Diwali by eating sweets, lighting lamps, hosting feasts, praying, and honoring loved ones.
The University of Memphis is home to a large population of Indian and international students, many of whom attended the event to celebrate their culture and share it with the campus community. The Rose Theater lobby was packed before the performances began, with attendees representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and races.
Many guests brought their children. Before the show, booths were set up in the lobby; one selling jewelry and another offering henna tattoos, a popular festival custom in India.
“I actually just started my business two days ago and I was offered to come here, so I’m excited,” said Nav Preet, a local henna artist who had a booth set up.
The program opened with the playing of both the American and Indian national anthems. The first performance was a song by a first-grader, the daughter of a University of Memphis professor.
The evening continued with a series of traditional dances and a devotional song performed by University of Memphis student Dinesh Naidu. There was also a flute performance by Dr. Pradyumna Baviskar, a doctor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Guests participated in different Diwali themed games and were treated to traditional Indian foods served in the lobby.
Luke Lawson can be contacted at llawson6@memphis.edu.
