The Diwali Festival of Lights has brought EPCC students, faculty and staff from all campuses to experience the culture of India.
On Oct. 17, the Transmountain campus hosted the event, which symbolizes goodness in the Hindu culture.
Campus Life representatives staffed booths that explained the different aspects of the Indian culture, such as Indian costume, religion and art. Pamphlets provided historical information as well.
“My philosophy is to recognize other cultures that attend EPCC,” said Arvis Jones, director of Student Leadership and Campus Life.
“Each semester I would like to recognize other cultures.”
There was a display of common clothing in India, called the salwar kameez, worn by both men and women, and the women’s sari, which can be worn in 100 different ways.
There were music and dancing performances at the Transmountain Forum Theater, one by Sandhyadipa Kar, who dances the odissi, a dance named after the state of Odissi, and another one by the dance group Sitare.
“It’s pretty good. I like it,” said Gaurav Prabhukhot, a business student of Hindu descent, when asked what he thought of the celebration.
A table decorated with incense displayed four different deities that are worshiped in the Hindu religion, the most common faith in India. (Islam is the second major religion of India.)
“The red tablecloth signifies luck, the four gods represent luck, family, love and power,” said Campus Life representative Michelle Ruiz, about the significance of the table.
Information about Henna tattoos, which are also called Mehndi, was available.
“Mehndi is a Hindu tradition, mostly used for weddings but also used for births, birthdays and circumcision,” said Monica Robinson, Campus Life representative for Mission del Paso.
An area on the floor displayed Rangoli, a form of art that is decorated with colored sand and commonly used outside of Indian homes.
Lights are a symbol to ward off darkness and evil. In India the day is celebrated with Diyas, which are lamps made of clay, around the house.
The Diwali Celebration concluded with sample servings of authentic Indian food, such as tandoori chicken and rice.
