The Candor

Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Leah Kirchhoff One of the many talents during Diwali night.

Media Credit: Leah Kirchhoff Many students enjoyed their celebration of Diwali night.

Sprinkles of white Christmas lights gently glow over black curtains surrounding the stage with several microphones lining the front. To the left, a DJ booth is set up performing sound checks while Indian music blares through the room. The fluorescent lights overhead are dimmed to make way for the spotlights aimed at the stage and there is a tingle of excitement in the air.

Sound like the Krasa cafeteria?

On Friday, Nov. 13, it was, as BU's held its third annual Diwali Night sponsored by H.S.A.

Diwali is an Indian holiday that lasts for five days. 'Diwali,' or 'Deepavali,' literally means 'rows of light,' and the traditional lighting of candles and oil lamps signifies the light of knowledge, or becoming enlightened and conquering the evil within yourself with the light of good.

The night opened with some remarks by H.S.A President, Fenil Patel, followed by a rendition of the U.S. and Indian national anthems, accompanied by a recorder and clarinet. The audience was then treated to a song and dance celebrated traditionally in Southern India, called Bharatanatyam.

A short and informative powerpoint presentation followed, where the audience learned about the five days of Diwali: Dhan Theras, Narak Chaturdasi, Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja, and Bhratri Dooj.

Dhan Theras is the first day of the five, and on it Hindus offer sweets to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death, for protection. Day two, Narak Chaturdasi, is a day to abolish laziness and evil. Diwali is the third day in the celebration, and on this day Hindus pray for forgiveness and strength for the coming year. Goverdhan Pooja is the mark of a new year. It is a time for starting over, and people may open new accounts, buy new clothes, and visit relatives and friends. This is also a popular day among businesses. Bhatri Dooj is the last day of the Diwali holiday, and it is a time when siblings exchange gifts. Sisters apply a red ointment called tilak to their brothers' foreheads. Brothers in turn bless their sisters and offer protection.

This presentation was followed by a funny and creative rendition of the narrative of Diwali entitled "If Ramayan were on Facebook," and it put the story in a Facebook-style template, complete with poking, quiz applications, status updates, and friend requests among the Gods.

After the presentation, dances and songs were performed by the members of H.S.A, and the festivities concluded with dinner.

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