Monday, October 30,2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 5
Indian 'festival of lights' shines in cultural revelry
Students celebrate colorful holiday, Damali Dhamaka with music, dance, fashion
By Loita Schultes
writer@kanson.com
Kansas staff writer
Spicy food, colorful saris and Indian music helped celebrate Diwali Dhamaka Saturday night in the Kansas Union.
Narinder Singh, former faculty member at the University of Kansas Medical Center, said the holiday
- known as the festival of lights - was one of the largest in India and, for many businesses, began the fiscal year.
"Basically, what this celebrates is the prosperity of what you have obtained during the year," he said.
Indian students represent the largest international group on campus at 170 members, and Saturday night they celebrated their prosperity and culture with a traditional Indian dinner, music and dance, and a fashion show of Indian clothing.
Swapna Obilisettey, Hutchinson senior, and her parents attended the events. They came to the United States 15 years ago in search of greater opportunities, but still retain their Indian culture.
Diwall Dhamaka celebrated the triumph of good over evil. Olibisettv's mother, Vanaja, said.
According to Hindu religion, Lord Krishna was knocked unconscious by an evil demon but then saved when his wife killed the demon with a bow and arrow. "Once he was killed, everybody was so happy, they lit their houses." Vania Oblisetty said.
Vanaja Oblisitet wore a green, yellow and red sari and blouse, which she said represented the colors in India's flag. Saris are lightweight, wrapped outer garments. Other women were dressed in salwar kameez, which are long dresses over pants.
Sippi Singh, a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said both were everyday attire in India. Many of the men were dressed in American clothing, but some were loose fitting shirts and pants. Vanaja Ohlisietty said they were called kuru paiamas.
Besides displaying their clothing, both men and women sang and danced for an enthusiastic crowd. The program opened with a traditional prayer song as four women danced holding candles. Their bracelets jangled, taking audience members to a place far removed from Lawrence.
"For the local community, I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to have a peek at other cultures," said Giri Kokulrangan, graduate student and president of
Nikki Dulku dances to the tune of the song "Mehboob Mere," a love song that translates into "O My Beloved," from the Indian movie Fiza, Music, dance and a fashion show all were part of Saturday's Diwali Dhamaka celebrations in the Kansas Union. Photo by Aaron Lindberg/KANSAN
the KU Cultural India Club, which sponsored the event. Justin Marz, a non-Indian student who attended the event, agreed.
"I think it's a really good opportunity to get to experience a whole other culture," said the Jefferson City, Mo., senior. "After all, that's kind of what college is all about. It's a learning experience."
- Edited by Kimberly Thompson
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