Students of all grades gathered in Ladue High School’s library during seminar to celebrate the Hindu holiday of Diwali, which was followed by a larger celebration in the MPR after school Nov. 13.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a major festival celebrated in India, signifying the victory of light over darkness. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days, starting with ‘Dhanteras’ and ending with ‘Bhai Dooj.’ To get into the spirit, people decorate their homes with diyas, which symbolize goodness and purity, create rangoli and worship the Goddess Laxmi for good fortune and prosperity.
“I get to spend more time with my family,” freshman Anuthriha Muruganantham said. “I get to talk about my culture to other people and it helps me understand my own culture.”
The seminar celebration had a collection of activities and food that students partook in. Although it was designed to be enjoyable for everyone, even those unaware of Diwali’s exact meaning, the event takes on a special significance for Ladue’s Indian community.
“It definitely feels nice [to have my culture represented],” senior Asmit Tendolkar said. “You don’t usually see it in many schools.”
As president of the Bollywood Dance club, Tendolkar is on a quest to spread Indian culture throughout Ladue.
“I’m the president who tries to get more people into Bollywood dance club,” Tendolkar said. “I’ve shown them what Indian culture is like.”
The Bollywood dance club stands ready to perform during the after school Diwali festival on Nov. 13. Bollywood dance performed a mixtape of songs. “We didn’t have much time to prepare for the dance, but our club members got to work and put the time in, and performed really well,” Bollywood dance club president Ashmit Tendolkar said.
Junior Kadan Brown molds clay into a diya shape. Diyas are symbols of prosperity in the new year. “It was fun [making it],” Brown said.
Freshman Medha Chode picks out a mehndi tattoo during Nov. 13 seminar Diwali festival. “This is interesting: the music, the food and the atmosphere,” Chode said.
Junior Charles Randall paints a rangoli using a stencil during Nov. 13 seminar Diwali festival. Rangoli is used to welcome Hindu Gods and bring joy. “It’s a fun event, it’s important to educate ourselves about different cultures,” Randall said.
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