PSU Indian students celebrate 2016 Festival of Lights

  Tuesday, October 25, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University’s Indian Student Association will host Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom of the Overman Student Center.

The program will feature performances that offer insights into the culture and traditions of India and showcase the celebration of Diwali, an official holiday in India and several other Middle Eastern countries celebrating the triumph of good over evil, traditionally celebrated between mid-October and mid-November.

In addition to the performances, the event will feature a fully catered traditional Indian meal (served in Whitesitt Hall at 7:30 p.m.) and a fireworks display at 9 p.m., weather permitting. These are among the many traditions used to celebrate the festival over five days on the Hindu calendar. The fireworks symbolize driving away evil spirits and the meal is meant to bring people together in love and happiness.

Diwali, which literally translates from Sanskrit to “a row of lamps,” makes heavy use of lighting lamps filled with oil, which signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is traditional to keep the lamps burning all day and night for the entirety of the holiday.

The program and fireworks are free and open to the public. Tickets for the meal are $15 and may be purchased in the International Programs and Services Office in 118 Whitesitt Hall, 620-235-4680. For additional information about the event, contact: Aditi Somaiya at 605-680-3820.