By Dylan Knight
Reporter

California State University, Bakersfield’s Multicultural Club celebrated their third annual Diwali, The Festival of Lights, on Tuesday, Nov. 4 outside on the Student Union patio.
The Hindu festival symbolizes the coming of autumn and light, knowledge and good.

“Diwali is when one of the Sikh Gurus got released from jail and everyone celebrates it by lighting candles. It’s a day to celebrate good over evil,” said Kamal Singh, 22, senior nursing major.

The event provided free Indian cuisine, Garba dancing, Bindi, bangles, henna tattoos and the opportunity to wear authentic Indian clothes and turbans to get an inside view on the culture. Many Americans are faced with negative connotations and views on individuals wearing turbans but they are simply a symbol of honor and respect. It is also custom to let important guests try them on, like the students of CSUB were able to.

“We also provide Indian clothes for people to try on,” said Amanpreet Kaur, 19, freshman criminal justice major while helping students try on their turbans.
Students had to opportunity to broaden their ideas, opinions and understanding of the Indian culture by taking a step into the shoes of fellow students who stand for their Indian faith and culture.

“The Diwali Festival was a complete success. Students were able to line up for free Indian food and experience a part of the Indian culture through delicious ethnic food, getting henna tattoos and trying on turbans and saris,” said Sara Melgar, 19, sophomore pre-nursing major.

Henna tattoos are something nearly every student is familiar with. However few know that their use was described in the earliest Hindu ritual, and they are intended to be a symbol of the inner light that is in us all.

“I feel that the event did bring cultural awareness to the campus because with every plate of food served, every student was given a handout that included the meaning and purpose of Diwali. Many students also conversed with club members to know more about the Indian culture,” said Singh.

Diwali can be described as one of the happiest holidays in India. Participants often clean and redecorate their homes, buy new clothes, gifts and jewelry. It is also a time for stories about the battles and victories of good over evil and light over darkness.

“Being exposed to the festival made me appreciative of the food and customs that are associated with [Indian] culture. I would love to see more events like this happening on campus,” said Melgar.

It’s easy for us as Americans to be blindsided by ethnocentrism, however it is beyond important for each of us to recognize the other amazingly beautiful cultures that exist all over the CSUB campus. America was founded on diversity; why not celebrate the diversity found in all of us?