Indian Culture displayed during Diwali, Festival of Lights

Friday marked the celebration of Diwali, or the Indian festival of lights, by the Indian Student Association. Diwali is a Hindu celebration of the New Year with unique customs and varied significance. Firecrackers, an array of colors and bright lights are a typical way to ring in the New Year.\nHowever, ISA's presentation of Diwali bridged the cultural gap between the typical American perceptions surrounding New Year festivities and the traditional Indian celebration.\nThe event was completely student-run and took place in Bloomington High School North's auditorium and cafeteria. It included lavish set design and detailed lighting arrangement, an important part of Diwali celebration. "Diwali 2004" commenced with an explanation of the holiday's significance, in which Dr. Sumit Ganguly, director of IU's India Studies Program, acknowledged the differences and variations of the holiday.\n"Different people in different regions of India celebrate Diwali in their own way," said junior Arun Bhattacharyya, ISA cultural chair. \nIn northern India, Diwali celebrates the god Rama's homecoming and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, India, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, India, the holiday is associated with the goddess Kali. \nHowever, one common theme remains.\n"This holiday recognizes the triumph of good over evil," Ganguly said.\nThe night was full of performances ranging from Indian folk dancing to energetic hip-hop routines. Many acts served as a fusion of American entertainment and Hindi music. Groups performed dances from Bollywood films as well as a remix of Usher's "Yeah."\n"It was such a diverse cultural show," said junior Safia Lakhany. "I think it pulled together Indian tradition and American entertainment in a unique way."\nTo continue the cultural mesh of American and Indian traditions, senior Mallika Singh lent her vocal talents to a performance of "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston as well as a Hindi song titled \n"Sajna ve Sajna."\nEach performance was a display of hard work and talent.\n"We have been practicing for over a month," said junior Lamia Bharmal, a dancer. "Our performance combined hip-hop, salsa and traditional dancing, so we had to learn each technique. We were practicing for up to five hours a day."\nBhattacharyya was very pleased with the results of all the hard work. \n"This is the most ambitious project we have attempted," Bhattacharyya said. "It was the best Diwali show ISA has put together in a long time. Every department worked perfectly in sync with the show and entertainment value," he said.\nBhattacharyya was very proud of the students and inclusivity of the event. \n"We were able to provide a wholesome, cultural and entertaining show successfully, which is a great feeling coming from a student-run nonprofit organization."\nAbout 500 of the performers' family and friends filled the BHSN auditorium. Sumila Chowdry, a freshman from IU-Purdue University in Fort Wayne, made the trip just to support her friends in the show.\n"This is my first Diwali, and it is such a cool way to entertain the community and students," Chowdry said.\nUpon the conclusion of the show, the audience was directed to the BHSN cafeteria to experience traditional Indian cuisine. Audience members thoroughly enjoyed the evening.\n"The show was absolutely amazing. It was a real night of talent," Lakhany said. \nBhattacharyya said he believed the show was a grand success for ISA.\n"I am confident to say that we provided a platform for Indian community in Bloomington to display their talents," he said.\n-- Contact staff writer Jaime Cohen at jrcohen@indiana.edu.