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RAPID CITY, S.D. (Nov. 13, 2012) – The India Club of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites the public to celebrate Diwali Night 2012, Festival of Lights, from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in the Surbeck Center ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.
Diwali is the largest festival in India, celebrating peace and harmony beyond the Hindu religion. The evening begins with cultural dances at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks in the Surbeck/McLaury parking lot around 7 p.m. Fireworks are expected to last 15 minutes.
Following the fireworks display guests will be invited inside to sample a variety of Indian cuisines. “We have students from different regions of India. They will cook their ethnic foods with a variety of spices,” according to Amit Kumar Gautam, president of SDSM&T’s India Club. The university enrolls 37 students from India this semester.
Organizers expect more than 600 people to attend the Diwali Night celebration. Henna hand-painting stations will be set up, along with a silent auction featuring 20 original pieces of artwork from the student club. The silent auction closes at 9 p.m.
The goal of the India Club, which was started in 1985, is to increase awareness and understanding of the Indian culture.
Donations will be accepted at the door to help offset the costs of food and fireworks. For more information on the India Club email indiaclub@mines.sdsmt.edu.