Diwali?the festival of lights?may be the biggest festival in India.
On Wednesday night, the Indian Student Association of the University of Utah hosted the celebration in the Union Ballroom.
More than 600 people attended the event. According to the association’s President, Shamit Nakra, attendance consisted of Indian, American and international students, as well as members of the Salt Lake Indian community.
“[Diwali] signifies the victory of good over bad,” said Siddharth Singh, one of the event’s coordinators.
According to Hindu mythology, the festival originated when the god Ram defeated Rawan, emperor of Lanka. When Ram returned to his kingdom after the victory, his people celebrated by lighting up the entire city with candles.
Even with its ties to Hinduism, Diwali has become a tradition all over India, regardless of religious differences, Singh said.
The events consisted of traditional Indian dances by students from the U and Utah State University, skits prepared by U students and dinner and dancing for everyone.
Profits from the events will go to Asha, a nation-wide organization to help educate poor students in India, Nakra said.
“The motive is to create a Utah chapter,” he said.
According to Singh, the date for Diwali was Nov. 14, however, it was celebrated Wednesday night for convenience.
With only one month of planning, the event was success, according to Nakra.
“This is a combined effort with many volunteers,” he said. “We want to add a bit of Indian culture in the university.”