Women in brightly colored saris and men in flowing traditional garb mingled with parents and children before settling in to enjoy the evening. Senior Neena Patel, ISA's vice president of communications, said Diwali is one of the most important holidays of the Hindu year. She said its status is similar to that of Christmas in the Christian tradition. The holiday marks the New Year on the Hindu lunar calendar and is on the night of the new moon in the month of Ashwin.
Celebrants traditionally light clay lamps to illuminate the natural darkness.
Patel said the date of this year's Diwali observance was in late October, but ISA chose to hold its festival in November so it wouldn't conflict with other campus events. Senior Shekhar Menon, who was emcee for the event, said Diwali is celebrated in different ways and for different reasons in the various regions of India and South Asia. For many people, Diwali at home is a busy time full of food and music. Neena Patel He described a family ritual that is common in several areas. Everyone will take an oil bath and then greet the sunrise before beginning the day's festivities.