The importance of Diwali is celebrated with family gatherings, food, candles, fireworks, bonfires and flowers.
On Sunday, The University of Alabama’s South Asian Society will hold a Diwali Festival at the Ferguson Center Ballroom from 6 to 9 p.m. and will offer food, prizes, henna tattoos, crafts and performances by different dance organizations in celebration of the annual Indian Festival of Lights.
“This is an all-inclusive, family friendly atmosphere where people can be exposed to a different culture through various means,” Adrika Venkatanarayanan, co-president of the UA South Asian Society, said. “We will have lots of food, people will be able to try out saris, get henna done and there will be crafts for adults and kids alike.”
Venkatanarayanan, a senior majoring in psychology and history, said there will also be dance performances put on by individual UA students, Dance Alabama! and Riptide.
“We’re hoping to attract people of all different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” Venkatanarayanan said. “Lately, Alabama has been talking about how we need to promote diversity on campus and with this event, we are hoping to do just that.”
This is not the first Diwali celebration at the University, since different organizations such as the Indian Students Association and the UA Vedic Society have hosted their own Diwali celebrations previously.
The cost of admission is $3 for UA students, $5 for non-students and children under the age of 6 will get in for free.
