ESU’s Diwali – Festival of Lights Featuring Food, Music, Song and Dance, Is Slated for October 18

Posted by: admin on October 2, 2014, No Comments

Diwali
Photo caption: “Diwali – Festival of Lights” will take place at East Stroudsburg University on Saturday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Keystone Room. Shown is Adithi Asuri, a junior public health major from York, Pa.

Tickets are now on sale for “Diwali – Festival of Lights 2014,” which will be held at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Keystone Room.

The word “Diwali” is the modern version of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means rows of light, and explains why the celebrations are often referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and focuses on appreciating the goodness in everyone – friend or foe. Diwali festivals are celebrated by a billion people in South Asia and elsewhere annually. The event is sponsored by ESU’s Desi Student Organization (DSO) and the Economics Department.

Diwali Night ’14 will commence with the ceremonial lighting of lamps followed by a short introduction to the meaning of Diwali and other festivities around this time of the year.

The highlights of this year’s Diwali program are classical Bharathanatyam dance by Swapna Suresh, who is an accomplished choreographer, dancer and teacher from the Lehigh Valley area. Following classical dances, there will be popular Bollywood dances by community children and then guests will enjoy a Fashion Show by ESU students showcasing their varied South Asian costumes. An authentic Indian dinner from ‘Spice India’ of Easton will be served following these dances. The program will end with the popular Dandia (stick dance), wherein the audience can join in on the traditional Indian dance.

Admission to Diwali Night ’14 is $20 for the general public and $7 for children ages 4 to 11. Tickets for ESU employees are $12. Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited seating for the event.

Students must present their valid ESU IDs to Dr. Pats Neelakantan or Dr. Seewoonundun Bunjun in the Economics Department (420 Normal Street, behind the library parking lot) to obtain their free student tickets in advance, as quantities are limited.

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Dr. Neelakantan at 570-422-3002 or pats@esu.edu or Dr. Bunjun at shiv43@gamil.com.