SASA Leads Diwali Celebration

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a time for performing religious rituals and sharing traditional Hindu stories. The holiday is centered around light and the metaphorical victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The five-day festival culminates on the third day (Monday, October 24) with the Hindu New Year, which coincides with the new moon—the darkest night of the lunar month.

Families and communities come together for this holiday. Home practices range from lighting up homes with diyas (little clay-pot lanterns) and decorating rangoli (colorful patterns made from flower petals, colored rice or sand). Bigger Diwali festivities include fireworks, puja (prayers), gifts and a feast filled with Indian sweets and neighbors opening their homes to each other in community celebration. 

On Monday, October 24, the new Upper School affinity group South Asian Student Alliance (SASA)—led by juniors Anika Gehani and Riya Jain—is hosting a lunch to educate individuals on the holiday and create their own rangoli, while enjoying traditional foods. The group believes it is important for students of all ethnicities to have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the holiday.