The Hindu Student Association, Sikh Student Association and International Culture Club hosted their first Diwali and Garba Night on October 25, 2024. This festive night was filled with music, dance, food and entertainment while simultaneously highlighting the aspects of Indian culture portrayed in the holiday.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, signifies the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all around the world. On this occasion, people light clay lamps called diyas, create rangolis (designs made from colored powder) and exchange sweets and gifts with their loved ones.
Garba is a type of dance that is usually done during Navratri, a nine-day festival commemorating the Hindu goddess Durga. Originating from Gujarat, a state in India, Garba is composed of various steps set to a specific beat.
“The festival of Diwali is actually known as Deepawali, which means a row of lights (using small oil-based clay lamps). Both Garba and Diwali signify the triumph of good over evil and promote the theme of ‘Let there be light to fight the darkness and ignorance,’” SSA and HSA adviser Ms. Bansal said. “It is a great way to bring our diverse NHP family together to celebrate the festival that spreads hope and positivity.”
Diwali and Garba Night started with a set of dance performances. Garba and dancing came next, followed by the food and drinks. Stations for henna were also set up, where students’ hands were dyed with intricate designs. The event ended with a Henna design contest and a Panipuri eating contest.
“I felt that performing was really fun as I got to dance with all my friends. Though I was nervous, I was surrounded by the love and joy of my friends which eased all my worries,” junior Jisha Jinu said. “Some things we did to prepare for the performance was practicing after school until sunset and memorizing the steps carefully and precisely to the quick timing of the music.”
Officers and advisers of these clubs were able to reflect on their reasons and goals for hosting a Diwali and Garba Night. They revealed the planning and preparation that went on behind the scenes to ensure the night was a success.
“We decided to host a Diwali and Garba event to showcase the vibrant culture and bring our NHP students together in a fun environment. To prepare for the event we bought colorful decorations, like flowers and banners, organized a space for dancing/Garba, and picked delicious Indian dishes. Additionally, we created a playlist to get everyone excited and in the Diwali spirit,” HSA Secretary Dhara Patel said.
Diwali and Garba Night was expressed to be a successful and fun event thanks to the hard work and dedication of club advisers and officers. The celebration in NHP gave students a glimpse of the global traditions of the holiday.
“Everything was flawlessly planned by amazing officers of HSA, SSA and ICC. Catering of food, performances, challenges and Garba was planned with utmost attention to detail. Kudos to the officers for organizing a spectacular event!” Ms. Bansal said.
