Club Spotlight: The Hindu Student Association Lights Up Diwali Celebration

By: Adith Bondugula

MTHS students of many backgrounds had a blast last week at the Diwali celebration hosted by the Hindu Student Association. This was an amazing and unique event that helped students unite together and learn more about one of the most well known and vibrant Indian holidays. 

Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates the idea of light over darkness and the victory of good beating evil. Creativity, unity among students, and a willingness to learn more about the holiday made HSA’s festival a massive success. From coloring giant posters to painting diyas, students had a great time learning and participating in Hindu culture. 

In order to prepare for such a huge event, many members of HSA helped change a boring science classroom in vibrant colors using bright decorations and various forms of art. For example, students used art such as lights, rangoli patterns, and flowers to transform the room into one that was more fit to celebrate the holiday. Members of the club also made posters with fun facts and Diwali related designs to emphasize the educational part of the celebration that helped students learn more about the holiday while also having fun. 

While celebrating, students participating in the event had an engaging discussion about the true meaning and importance of Diwali. Students talked all about the deep cultural and spiritual values Diwali has on Hinduism. Many stories from Hindu mythology were shared such as Lord Rama coming back to his kingdom after defeating the evil. This is represented in the celebration of lighting lamps to symbolize how good ended up beating evil. These discussions helped students connect personally with the holiday and make participants think about Diwali’s message revolving around inner light. 

HSA not only included decorations in their celebration but went above and beyond by including food too. Many students brought in various Indian sweets like gulab jamun, laddoos, and kaju katlis. This helped people receive a taste of traditional sweets which are enjoyed in India and helped highlight one of the festival’s main traditions, which is eating sweets.

By combining art, food, decorations, and learning, the HSA Diwali event was a massive success with many students having the opportunity to firsthand experience the holiday of Diwali in an educational environment. At the end of the festival, tables were covered with beautifully painted diyas, walls were lined with colorful artwork, and students had a stronger sense of connection with the holiday than ever before. 

Though it is still a new club made just this year, HSA has achieved massive success and continues to connect students to their religion further. HSA showed that it was possible, light by light, to learn more and have fun with friends through the club's unique festival celebrations.