In celebration of Diwali, the festival of light, the Green was aglow this Friday, Nov. 8. “We wanted to celebrate and highlight South Asian culture,” sophomore and event organizer Eliza Crowe said.
Diwali, which begins this year on Oct. 31, traditionally recognizes light amidst dark times and victory of good over evil. To celebrate the festival, people light candles, or diyas, and float them on bodies of water, offer food to deities, exchange gifts with their families, and set off fireworks.
Crowe and her committee created a fun atmosphere on the Green. They assembled many traditional decorations, including candles, or diyas, surrounded by marigold flowers, which represent good luck and the light that flows throughout India during the festival.
Leadership also set up henna stations, where volunteers decorated students’ hands with temporary detailed mehndi designs.
Events like these allow for ethnic groups at M-A to feel appreciated and recognized. “I think it is important to host these events to highlight M-A’s diversity,” sophomore Juno Litz said.
“Representation is super important for people to reconcile with their identities,” senior Ayla Karadogan said. The Intercultural Leadership team at M-A created a welcoming atmosphere for people who want to learn about the traditions of Diwali.
