MTU Indian Student Association celebrates Diwali

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan Technological University (MTU) Indian Student Association (ISA) performed in celebration of a festival Sunday evening at the Rozsa Theater.

It was the association’s annual Diwali evening, in honor of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. ISA President Aritra Chakrabarty says the event symbolizes light over darkness and is celebrated by many people.

“Our mothers make sweets for children, so everyone has a fond memory of Diwali, and we try to make sure everyone gets a little take home while they’re here,” Chakrabarty said.

Guests enjoyed a buffet of dishes such as Indian bread pudding and chicken masala curry prepared by Houghton’s Bonfire.

Dinner was followed by a series of cultural events. New this year was a sketch about one of the legends behind Diwali. Students also shared dances from different parts of India.

“I’m very happy because I’ve never seen this kind of performance before,” said MTU student Victoria Sientillan. “This gave me the opportunity to see something different.”

She came to support her friend who was dancing and wanted to get to know other cultures.

“This also brings us a different experience and also a different type of food that we don’t have here,” Sientillan said. “I hope we can get an Indian restaurant in Houghton.”

She encourages people to come and experience the event next year.

“I would like people to leave with the embodiment of something sweet, something nice, a touch of Indian tradition through food, through our performances and through our warm gesture,” Chakrabarty said.

He says it’s nice how the community embraces their culture.