PSU Indian students plan Diwali celebration

The Pittsburg State University Indian Student Association will host its annual Diwali celebration at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom of the Overman Student Center. The celebration at PSU will include a fashion show, cultural dances, games, a traditional Indian dinner, Indian handicrafts for sale and firecrackers.

Tickets are $8 for PSU students and $12 for others. To purchase tickets, call Piyush Kumar Goyal, president of the PSU Indian Student Association at 620-719-0032 or Manan at 620-875-0972 or send an e-mail to Goyal at pkgoyal@pittstate.edu.

Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals. It is a five-day celebration that occurs on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika. During Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and small oil lamps called diyas are lit as a greeting to Laksmi, goddess of wealth. During Diwali, the people exchange gifts and sweets and set off fireworks.

Across the diverse nation of India, Diwali celebrations vary according to the regional culture. Everywhere it is celebrated, however, Diwali signifies renewal of life. It also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the planting season.

---Pitt State---