Also known as “the Festival of Lights,” Diwali is celebrated by several religions in Eastern culture including Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. It’s best known in Hinduism, however, where it commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile in the deep forest and his victory over the evil demon-king Ravana. According to one Hindu legend, the people of Rama’s kingdom welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps along his path. Thus, the festival marks the homecoming of goodwill and faith after a long absence and the end of spiritual darkness. Heady stuff.
Xavier University’s South Asian Society student group will present its fourth annual “Diwali Festival: The Evolution of Dance” to celebrate the holiday. It features traditional Indian dishes, dance performances and an interfaith prayer. This year’s event focuses on the medium of dance and how it’s evolved over time, from classical to Bollywood to fusion. The South Asian Society will perform four dances and there will also be a guest performance by Miami University and Xavier’s Filipino American Cultural Enlightenment Society.
The event takes place at the Gallagher Student Center Theatre, beginning with dinner at 5:45 p.m. and performances at 7 p.m. $10; $8 for Xavier students when purchased in advance.
Get details and tickets here.
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2008.