Shravanthi Mouli, graduate student in pharmacal sciences, walked onto the stage holding a microphone. She stepped forward and began singing softly.
She sang the words of the Ganesh Vandhana, a traditional Hindu prayer recited before religious rituals.
Her prayer and the lighting of an oil lamp marked the opening of Auburn's 2013 Diwali festival.
The Indian Students Association held a celebration of Indian culture and music in the Student Center Ballroom Saturday, Nov. 2, for 250 attendees.
Diwali is the third part of a five-day religious festival known as the Festival of Lights.
Although they could not include certain traditions, such as fireworks and candles, because of safety concerns, the ISA worked to create an authentic Diwali experience here in Auburn.
Colorful patterns called rangoli covered the floors.
The stage was lit by small lamps beneath a white sash.
Attendees dressed in traditional Indian garb, including the dhoti and half-saree.
The garments were brightly colored and adorned with glittering edges.
The first part of the celebration focused on music, featuring a 30-minute performance led by Shiladitya Chaudhury, associate director of the Biggio Center.
Chaudhury's group played with a mixture of Western and Indian instruments, using guitars and a veena, a stringed instrument with a distinctive gourd-shaped attachment near the neck.
The program also mixed in modern Bollywood tunes with classical pieces.
"It's contemporary music, so all the children like it," said Avanti Kulkarni, cultural vice president.
A group of children from local Indian families showed their appreciation for Bollywood with a group dance number.
The biggest hit of the evening was a musical mashup about Rajnikanth, a well-known Indian actor. After, the ISA served traditional Indian food to the guests.
Robin Muthukumar, who serves on the ISA's sports committee, said she liked the food the most, besides hearing the song "Maduraikku Pogathadee" performed in Tamil, his native language.
"It was great," Muthukumar said.
ISA president Narendra Sadhwani said Diwali was his favorite festival, despite the logistical challenges for the club.
Kulkarni said the club spent approximately one month preparing for the event and making personal nametags.
Kulkami said she hoped the Diwali festival helped introduce more people to Indian traditions.
"We want people to know about Indian culture too," Kulkarni said. "We just want people to know what our culture back home is and enjoy it."
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