Diwali Nite 2009

Diwali Nite 2009
Diwali, or Deepavali, or “Festival of Lights”, is the biggest Indian Hindu festival that symbolizes the triumph of
good and evil. In North India, according to the legend, Lord Rama slew his wife Sita’s kidnapper, the demon
King Ravana, during his exile. The festival is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of
ayodhya. The streets through which he returned to his palace were lit with ‘kiyas’ or small earthern lamps.
Prayer sung by children in the community
Mrs. And Mayor Bob Kiss, Krishna (current ISA
President) and Assoc. Professor and Provost, Jane Knodell
The first Diwali nite event was organized on the UVM campus in 2006 and was marked by the
presence of over 250 people from UVM and the Greater Burlington Community. This years event was
held in the Davis Center and attracted at least 500 people and was a great success!
Garba Dance
The program featured performances that included song, dance and a variety of shows that included
some humor! Madhurima Saha, Nabanita Mukherjee and Samya Chakravorty, from the The
Department of Biology, participated in the performance. The event concluded with delicious Indian
cuisine.
Samya Chakravorty
In South India, according to the legend, it was the day Lord Sri Krishna defeated the demon King
Narakasura. Even to this day, every home in India is illuminated with diyas during Diwali. Lakhsmi,
the Goddess of wealth and prosperty, is also worshipped during Diwali. To welcome Lakshmi, people
decorate their home entrances with ‘rangolis’, which are exquisite designs made with colors and
flowers. A dazzling display of fireworks decorate the night skies, signifying the eventual victory of
light over darkness. This festival is celebrated by one and all and is the true portrayal of the richness
and vibrancy of Indian Hindu culture.