Join the Southern Asian Society's Festival of Lights

Southern Asian Society (SAS) is hosting its Festival of Lights event this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Hagerty Lounge. All are welcome for this evening of food, music, and activities to honor the festivals Diwali and Thadingyut in Southern Asia. 

“Festival of Lights is an important event as it celebrates not only one, but two festivals: Thadingyut and Diwali,” shared SAS executive team members. “These two festivals are respected and celebrated greatly across their religions and countries. We aim to commemorate these traditions at SMC so that the entire community can learn and educate themselves on cultures outside of their own. We hope that students will not only learn more about these festivals but also have fun celebrating them.”

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is celebrated across India, Singapore, Indonesia, and many other countries in South Asia. The festival’s meaning differs across each religion. Within Hinduism, communities commemorate the festival by celebrating the God Rama’s defeat of Ravan. The country of Myanmar recognizes Thadingyut as the descent of Buddha back to Earth, and celebrates the festival by making paper lanterns and decorating homes with light to help him return. 

SAS will honor these traditions with a short oral history on the festivals, and activities such as rangoli, or folk pattern, making and lantern making. They will also have a guest henna artist offering free henna body art designs, and serve catered Indian and Burmese food. Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend the event.

For more information about Southern Asian Society and the Festival of Lights event, contact SAS Vice President Saumya Khanna (sk37@stmarys-ca.edu) or southernasiansociety@stmarys-ca.edu.