Deepavali, otherwise known as Diwali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ in North India, is an Indian festive holiday which signifies victory of good over the evil within every human being.
Symbolically, it marks the homecoming of goodwill and faith after a period of absence as suggested by the epic Ramayana. This year, the Center of India Studies, the Charles B. Wang Center, Indian Graduate Student Association and the Hindu Student Council present Deepotsav 2007: Indian Festival of Lights.
The cultural event, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 18, celebrates the rich beauty of Indian culture through music, dance and food.
The festivity begins at 6:00 p.m. sharp at the Wang Center with a pooja. The pooja will be a ceremony of lights in honor of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is the bearer of prosperity and wealth. Students will be able to participate in the pooja and join in a parade of lights (diyas) from the Wang Center to the Student Activities Center.
The cultural performances, which will take place in the SAC auditorium, will be performed by student artists of Stony Brook University, as well as’ other professionals.
They will enchant and captivate your mind and heart with their dances, ranging from classical performances to fusion and bhangra. A play performed by the graduate and undergraduate students will not only be entertaining, but also depict the essence of celebrating this festival.
There will be vegetarian Indian food to savor from the Curry Club. Great hyped music will be provided by The Dhol Experience to dance through the night.
Come and celebrate this joyous occasion and see what the Indian festival of lights is all about. This is an evening you do not want to miss.
Tickets can be purchased at the Wang Center in suite 302. The general admission is $10 and $7 for students.
For more information, interested persons can email [email protected] or call 631-632-4400.