By William Schexnayder
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Each year, on the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar, an ancient Hindu festival to celebrate the new year takes place. The Indian Students Association sponsored Diwali-The Festival of Lights on the Bayou Patio featuring festive decorations, food, music and dancing Nov. 9.

"This is an outstanding event," said William A. Staples, university president. "It is another example of how the Indian Students Association is an outstanding organization here at UHCL. They are a very giving organization, one that leads by example."

This year's festival began with warm welcomes by Achyuth Prasad Pavirala, president of the Indian Students Association; Staples; Darlene Biggers, associate vice president of student services and dean of students; and Edward Hayes, provost. A dinner featuring traditional Indian foods followed.

Completing the evening was dancing, traditional Bhangra music from northern India and popular Indian music. More than 300 students and community members attended the festival.

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated throughout India. It is a day to mark the new year, a celebration of life, joy and goodness and a festival of wealth and prosperity. People of all ages participate in the festival.

This year, Diwali was Nov. 4-6, and some years the festival lasts four to five days. Each day is marked with worship of a different deity. Oil lamps are burned to ward off darkness and evil. Houses are filled with many of these lamps. Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. Another tradition of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, or Bhai Beej, a day when women are held in high respect and are given gifts from their families.

From top to bottom: An Indian dinner was served to everyone at the Diwali festival and UH-Clear Lake students dance the night away at the Diwali-Festival of Lights.
photos by Angela Stone


"I am glad that the event turned out to be such a success because the students had spent months preparing for the event," said Sameer Pande, coordinator for Multicultural and International Student Services. "We often read about the U.S. being the melting pot of different cultures. This was one practical example of it."

The Indian Students Association is an independent association made up of more than 300 students and is meant to spread cultural awareness in the community. One of the traditions in ISA is to meet new students at the airport and arrange accommodations for them near campus. In addition to organizing special cultural events, ISA strives to make new students at UH-Clear Lake comfortable in the community.

"This is my first semester here and I was feeling a little homesick," said Tapan Mehta, school of science and computer engineering. "After coming here and working on this event, I feel like I am back at home. It is a great feeling."

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