Cultural Events
Diwali 09 Celebrations
The India Cultural Association of East Alabama (ICAEA) and the Indian Students Association (ISA) of Auburn celebrated Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, with traditional Indian performances and food Sunday at Auburn University. Bollywood performances, Indian plays and traditional classical Indian music filled the Foy Student Union for a celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a big festival in India just like Christmas (in America), said Hiren Adesara, president of the ISA. The holiday is observed in India in October and November (the Hindu month of Ashwin). Adesara said the Diwali holiday's origin begins when a god's wife was kidnapped by a devil. The god takes his wife back and liberates the devil's kingdom. The god's people welcome him back with a row of lights. In India, traditionally houses are decorated with lights and fireworks are part of the celebration. “That's the best, Adesara said referring to the fireworks. And like Christmas, a large part of Diwali is visiting with family and friends. We have a tradition, a custom, each and every person in the family, our friends, go to each other's houses and eat a bunch of sweets, he said. After Sunday's performances, participants and guest shared a traditional Indian dinner.
