Commons celebrates Diwali

Photo supplied by Jess Lechtenberg

What does Drew University have in common with No. 10 Downing Street and the White House? For the first time, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama and Drew University celebrated Diwali, the Hindu "festival of lights" symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

The Drew community came together on Tuesday in a joint program hosted by Aramark Food Service and Asia Tree House. Aramark Food Service Director Scott Oswald said that the event "kind of just happened by accident." Because Aramark's Bollywood event happened to fall during the same week Asia Tree was planning their Diwali celebration, they came to a combined decision. "Why don't we just marry our two events together?" Oswald said.

Sahr Khan ('11), Asia Tree house assistant and coordinator of the Diwali event, said, "Last year we celebrated Chand Raat in recognition of the end of Ramadan and this year we wanted to recognize Diwali." Asia Tree provided the entertainment, invited a vendor to sell scarves and jewelry and decorated the Commons.

Marigold garlands, silver netting and foil streamers were hung from the walls to create a festive ambiance. Traditional diya candles, surrounded by sparkling confetti, were used for centerpieces. "It changes the whole atmosphere of the Commons and raises awareness about a holiday people don't usually know about unless they have Indian friends," Olivia Harris ('10) said.

Traditional Indian food, prepared in-house by Aramark's own chef, was a big draw. Ignoring the usual pizza and pasta options, students lined up to sample the fragrant global food selection. The menu consisted of Basmati rice, Chicken Tikka Masala, Vindaloo lamb and potatoes, curried green peas and potatoes, and Naan glistening with butter. "I don't know a lot about Indian food, but I am being adventurous," Jacquelyn Mannino ('12) said. "I love the food," Zachary Gundel ('11) said. "It is a step away from the norm."

Taking advantage of the free henna tattoos that were made available by Aramark, students lined up to have the "mehndi" designs applied. With both of her hands intricately decorated with still moist henna, Jordan Avery ('13) said, "I've always wanted to do it. I was the first one here so that I could get an extensive design." Shandra McManus ('12), who also donned a henna imprint, said, "This is wonderful. I like my eyes being open to another culture."

A diverse segment of Drew's population came together to contribute to the evening's festivities. Professor of Ecumenical Theology S. Wesley Ariarajah was invited to offer some background information on the festival. Diwali, Ariarajah explained, celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the demon Ravana and his return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, is regarded as the ideal son and king, due to his strict adherence to dharma. Diwali is also the day Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshiped. In line with Asia Tree's mission to promote Asian awareness, Khan said, "I wanted it to be educational and not just about entertainment."

In recognition of Diwali's importance to the Sikh community, Trishna Amin ('11) delivered a soulful rendition of "Ek Onkar Satnam," a sacred Sikh hymn. This was followed by a lively dance medley by the Bollywood Dancers whose skirts were made by members of Drew's Fashion Club. The dance sequences, choreographed by Komal Chandra ('12), ended with the energetic "Jai Ho" from the recent Academy Award-winning film, "Slumdog Millionaire." "Really impressive," Jigar Amin ('12) said."Their enthusiasm really came through."

All of the Above, Drew's co-ed a cappella group, sang a Bollywood number called "Mitwa," with Carlin MacNichol ('11) providing lead vocals. While it was a little hard to hear the entertainers, the enthusiastic response from the cheering students, made it clear they were enjoying the proceedings. Jaya Misra ('11), an Indian-American student said, "I appreciate that they are trying to do something about the Indian culture. I like being represented in a fun way."

October 30, 2009