Indian Diwali festival illuminates campus

By Philip Hadley
University News Service
November 9, 2007

The festival of lights, presented by the Indian Student Association, promises a cultural extravaganza. Santosh Kaloji, computer science graduate and president of the Indian Student Association, encourages everyone to attend.

“We want everyone to come out and experience the rich Indian culture,” Kaloji from Warangal, India said. “We will have free Indian cuisine for everyone.”

The event will feature dance, music and presentations providing information on Indian culture and traditions. Moonis Ali, faculty advisor of the Indian Student Association, said that Diwali is a festival with deep roots in Indian culture.

“Diwali is traditionally celebrated in India after the harvest,” Ali said. “People celebrate to worship the god of wealth, Lakhmi. They celebrate the prosperity of the society and the people. People illuminate the whole country to show that light is very important to get rid of evil and promote happiness.”

The event will start with a free dinner and will showcase dances from different Indian cultures. There will also be a fashion show presenting the different styles of dress from India.

For more information contact Moonis Ali at (512) 245-3409 or visit http://isa.cs.txstate.edu/.