The India Club at South Dakota Mines will host the 34th annual
celebration of Diwali – Festival of
Lights, featuring cultural entertainment, food and fireworks on Saturday, Nov.18
in the Beck Ballroom at the Surbeck Center. The popular event draws a large
crowd and is always free and open to the public. A photo album from the 2022
celebration can be found here.
Diwali is one of the largest festivals in India,
celebrating the “victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance”
across the subcontinent. Traditionally, the festival is marked with elaborate
fairs, food preparations, prayers and gift-giving. The night is lit up with
fireworks and houses are decked out with lamps and rangolis, welcoming wealth
and prosperity into the household.
South Dakota Mines’ India Club begins Diwali
celebrations with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by
cultural performances. The fireworks display begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by
an authentic Indian dinner. The food is prepared by Indian students enrolled at
Mines, aided by the local Indian community. Henna hand-painting stations and
photo booths will also be available.
Mines extends thanks to many local businesses and
organizations for their support and sponsorship of the event this year. The
India Club appreciates any and all support from the public; those who wish to
donate can find a link here.