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A lunchtime discussion and afternoon expo will mark the ancient Hindu festival of Deepawali tomorrow. Both events are free and open to the campus community.
A brown bag presentation on “How Relevant are Traditional Customs and Festivities in the Modern World?” will take place at noon in Interfaith Chapel, Hogg Hall. Lunch may be brought or purchased for $3.
Robin Rinehart, associate professor of religious studies, will lead off the discussion, which will include remarks by Dan Bauer, professor of anthropology and sociology; history and religion major Sarah Bassin ’04 (Shawnee Mission, Kan.), electrical and computer engineering major Mehzabin Ahmed ’06 (Dhaka, Bangladesh), psychology and anthropology & sociology double major Inku Subedi ’05 (Kathmandu, Nepal), A.B. engineering major Emmauel Kirunda ’04 (Iganga, Uganda), and German and A.B. engineering double major Briana Niblick ’05 (Hatboro, Pa.).
An exposition will be held 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Farinon Center Atrium. It will include Indian food, snacks, and drinks; rangoli patterns; henna tattoos; and fireworks.
Event sponsors are Asian Cultural Association, Hillel Society, and Emile Durkheim Society.
Deepawali is a Sanskrit word that means “rows of lights,” in reference to the custom of lamp lighting during the festival. In some parts of India and other countries, it is shortened to “Diwali.” It comes in late October or early November on the darkest night of the year. The holiday symbolizes the victory of honesty and the lifting of spiritual darkness. In Hinduism, darkness is compared to ignorance and the customary lighting of lamps signifies losing ignorance and gaining knowledge.
The holiday is also a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, held in memory of mythological stories of various divine incarnations conquering evil demons. The festival is celebrated throughout India as well as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, and other countries of the region, regardless of religious affiliation. Celebrations also occur as far away as South America.