CSU-Pueblo hosts Diwali, Hindu Festival of Light celebration
Release Date: November 09, 2015
Press Release
PUEBLO – A variety of events will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Colorado State University-Pueblo on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to celebrate Diwali, an ancient Hindu festival. Coordinators of the event include CSU-Pueblo International Students Association (CISA), CSU-Pueblo Asian Students Association (CASA), Center for International Programs, Diversity Resource Center, and Student Engagement and Leadership.
Diwali, festival of lights, is a five-day festival celebrated in India and other parts of South Asia, which spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness. The main night of the festival corresponds with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month of “Kartika.”
Events begin at 11 a.m. in the Diversity Resource Center, Occhiato University Center 031, with a traditional “Dandia,” dance with Bollywood music, which is performed with decorated wooden sticks. The CSU-Pueblo International Students Association (CISA) and CSU-Pueblo Asian Students Association (CASA) members will facilitate students who are interested in performing the cultural dance. At noon, “Pooja,” a Hindu prayer will be recited by Ajay Ghalay, an international student from Nepal. He also will discuss the history and traditions related to the Diwali festival.
A traditional South Asian meal related to the festival will be served at 12:30 p.m. followed by more dancing and henna tattooing.
The CSU-Pueblo festival serves to promote diversity and tolerance among the students and campus community as well as to educate them about various religions and cultures.
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.