In Hindu belief, the Lord Ram once fought and defeated the demon-king Ravan in an epic battle for righteousness and justice. Each autumn-with food, merrymaking and an abundance of lights-people of Indian heritage around the world celebrate Ram’s victory during the holiday of Diwali.
Members of the Indian Student Association are bringing the Diwali festivities to campus on Saturday, Oct. 27, with a dinner and cultural show.
“Diwali is the most significant Indian cultural holiday,” said Jaya Badhwar, organizer of the cultural show. “Everybody gets together, regardless of their religion-Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or Jewish-to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.”
Saturday’s event is being dubbed Shubh Deepavali, a holiday greeting that roughly translates as “Happy Diwali!”
Shubh Deepavali, to be held in the St. Louis Room of the Busch Student Center, will begin at 5 p.m. with a buffet meal. The menu will feature an array of both northern and southern Indian dishes, including samosas, naan bread, creamy vegetable curry, steamed rice cakes and chutneys. There will also be gulab jamun-a warm, sweet Indian desert served in syrup-as well as Western-style ice cream and cheesecake.
A cultural program will begin at 7 p.m. Members of ISA will perform examples of both Indian folk dances and classical Indian dance, and an a cappella group will also take the stage.
The cultural program will culminate with a classic dance drama that reenacts the Lord Ram’s slaying of Ravan. Approximately 15 dancers will participate. Female characters will wear elaborate traditional costumes, while most of the male characters will be bare-chested.
One performer will play Hanuman, Ram’s monkey companion, who will tell the story of the hero’s struggle.
“[The dance drama] brings out what Diwali is all about,” Keval Shah, president of ISF, said. Shah was also be playing the lead role of Ram.
Tickets for Shubh Deepavali are available for $12 each. They may be purchased today at ISA’s table near the north entrance of the BSC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; they will also be for sale at the door on Saturday. Seating is not assigned, so organizers recommend that attendees arrive early.
