The celebration of Diwali at South Dakota Mines
includes cultural performances, traditional food and a fireworks show. The event is free and open to the public.
The India Club at South Dakota Mines will host the 33rd annual
celebration of Diwali Night, featuring cultural entertainment, food and
fireworks show, on Saturday, Nov. 19. The popular annual event draws a large
crowd and is always free and open to the public. A photo album from the 2021
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.
Mines’ India Club begins Diwali celebrations with a
traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, at 5 p.m. followed by cultural
performances. Fireworks display across from Surbeck 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 Indian diaspora of Rapid City. Henna
hand-painting stations and photo booths will also be available.
Festival organizers are always looking to engage
local businesses in sponsoring Diwali Night, as well as supporting other
student-led events and community service projects. Mines extends thanks to these business and
organizations for their support this year, Black Hills Regional Eye Hospital, Coco Cola,
Pioneer Bank and Trust, Tropical Smoothie, Property Meld, Super 8 Motel, Black
Hills Hindu Temple Committee, Masala Mart, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, The
Rushmore, Everest Cuisine, Kathmandu Bistro, Himalayan Kitchen, and others. The
India Club appreciates any and all support from the public; those who wish to
donate can find a link here.