Happy Diwali 2009!
Diwali is an Indian celebration that took place on campus in Foy Student Union ballroom this past Sunday.
Diwali means "an array of lights." It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil; the main focus is lamps being lit to expel darkness from around and from within.
"It's a new beginning," said Pratyusha Patel, a second year pharmacy student.
Patel, who is originally from Zambia, described Diwali as a bit like Thanksgiving.
"It is a time for family and friends and good food," Patel said.
The Diwali '09 celebration on Auburn's campus was hosted by the Indian Student Association in conjunction with the Indian Cultural Association of East Alabama.
Other involved organizations included the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, the International Student Organization, the Auburn Asian Association and the Muslim Student Association.
The event featured performances by young children and adults, who sang, danced and performed skits to showcase Indian culture.
The origin of Diwali comes from the Hindu Puranas. They believe when evil overtakes the world, Vishnu comes into the world to defeat it. Lord Rama of Ayodhya, an incarnation of Vishnu, was exiled from his home. He later defeated the demon Ravana and was welcomed back to Ayodhya as a hero. Thus, Diwali was created.
Patel described how her family has always celebrated Diwali.
"It is out with the old, in with the new," Patel said. "You clean up the house, and then you light every corner to cleanse it and rid it of evil spirits."
Suresh Mathews, an assistant professor in the Nutrition and Food Science Department, said what he remembers most about Diwali is the fireworks.
"You don't really go to bed on the night of Diwali," Mathews said. "There aren't organized fireworks displays, but pretty much every family lights fireworks and sets them off. It's so beautiful."
Mathews, who had two children participating in Sunday night's performances, said he thinks it is important for the children to see and participate in Diwali events to connect them to their heritage.
More than 200 people came to celebrate Diwali, whether by participating in or just watching the different performances.
Though most were from the Auburn area, people also came from Columbus, Ga., Montgomery, Tuskegee and other surrounding cities.
The chief guest of the night was Ainsley Carry, vice president of Student Affairs.
In addressing the audience, Carry said, "This is a very special event. We hope Diwali can continue to grow on our campus."
The evening ended with a meal of authentic Indian cuisine in the Auburn Student Center.
(Story of the origin of Diwali was abbreviated from www.diwalicelebrations.net)
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