Desi Student Organization to Host Diwali Night ’12

Posted by: admin on October 31, 2012, No Comments

The East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) Desi Student Organization (DSO) will host Diwali Night ’12 on Saturday, November 3, at 5.30 p.m. in the Keystone Room in ESU’s Center for Hospitality Management. Diwali, also known as “The Festival of Lights,” is a five-day festival that occurs on the 15th day of lunar month Kartik (October/November).

The word “Diwali” is the modern version of the Sanskrit word “Deepa avali,” which means rows of light and so 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 in the diaspora annually.

DSO represents the countries of the United States, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Guyana, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Trinidad, and the Caribbean, as well as other Diaspora South Asians. The organization’s membership is open to all students. The term “Desi” is a common term referring to, or characteristic of, people of South Asian descent.

Diwali Night ’12 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 dances choreographed by the highly acclaimed artistic director of Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, Ramya Ramnarayan, and then by another well-known choreographer, Firuzi Desai, followed by a different form of classical dance choreographed by eminent dancer Indira Dixith, who is also the founder and artistic director of the Center for Kuchipudi Dance.  Following classical dances, festival-goers may enjoy an authentic Indian dinner from Spice India of Easton.  Dinner will be followed by a fashion show and exciting Bollywood dance performances by community members.

Admission to Diwali Night ’12 is $20 for the general public and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Tickets for ESU faculty and staff are $12 and ESU students are admitted at no cost, though students need to contact Dr. Pats Neelakantan or Dr. Seewoonundun Bunjun, in the economics department (at 420 Normal Street) to receive their free student tickets in advance as quantities are limited. Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited seating for the event.

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Dr. Pats Neelakantan at 570-422-3002, or by email at pats@esu.edu  or Dr. Bunjun at 570-422-3240, or by email at sbunjun@esu.edu.