News

Students celebrate Indian Festival of Lights tonight in Gallagher Theater

Third annual celebration focuses on different cultural traditions within India

11/05/07

The third annual Diwali Festival of Lights takes place tonight, Monday, Nov. 5, at the Gallagher Student Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. “Diwali: A Journey Through India” includes cultural enrichment, traditional dance and a full Indian buffet.

Tickets are $5 for Xavier students; however students can purchase tickets and a South Asian Society T-shirt for $12. The first 100 students who buy tickets also receive a free CD of traditional Indian dance music. The event is open to the public, with tickets available the day of the performance for $10.

This year Diwali celebrates the different cultural traditions surrounding this event within India. Students will be taken on a simulated journey from Northern to Southern India, while participating members of the South Asian Society perform dance and prayers associated with that region. Students that visit Northern India will have a chance to see the lighting of the Golden Temple, which marks a significant tradition in the November festivity.

The observance of Diwali also includes traditional dances performed by students in the South Asian Society.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to southasiansoc@xavier.edu or call Dhwani Mehta at 248 207-5655.