The Kent Indian Association (KIA) invited students to celebrate Diwali in the Student Center on Sunday, Nov. 3.

“It’s like our Christmas,” Dhruv Nakhwa, a freshman biotechnology major and Diwali organizer, said.

Four different religions celebrate Diwali each year including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists. When translated, Diwali means “festival of lights.”

KIA invited students to a traditional Indian dinner, a henna tattoo booth and a photo booth with props. 

“I love how it brings different cultures together,” Madeline Begari, a sophomore fashion design major, said. This is Begari’s second celebration of Diwali, an experience she shared with her husband. 

Attire ranged from jeans and sneakers to traditional Indian fashion.

Nakhwa said, “It feels really great to be able to help organize this event. We get the opportunity to celebrate this great tradition halfway across the world.”

Contact Terry Lee III at [email protected].