They say while at Emory one of the things you MUST do is attend Diwali at least once. The beautiful celebration doesn’t go perfectly every year without the hard work and dedication of its chairs. Meet this year’s chairs, Suyashi Singh, ‘16 and Vibhuti Patel, ‘15. Though these two have different hobbies that range from stargazing and photography to dancing, they effectively collaborated on one thing: making Diwali amazing. If you have your tickets, get ready for an awesome Friday night filled with exciting performances (shameless plug: Persuasion will be collaborating with Azaadi!), and if you don’t make sure to get them ASAP next year because they sell out quickly. Read up on what Diwali means to them and what they’re most excited about at Diwali this year.
Her Campus Emory (HCE): What is Diwali?
Suyashi Singh (SS): Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and the Indian New Year.
Vibhuti Patel (VP): Diwali, called the ‘festival of lights,’ is in essence, the triumph of good over evil and marks the day Lord Rama (considered to be Vishnu’s 7th incarnation) returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In India, prayer ceremonies are performed, earthen lamps called diyas are lit, and the night skies are bejeweled with fireworks to celebrate the overcoming of light over darkness.
HCE: How did you guys become involved with ICE/Diwali?
SS: We both applied last year individually and came to ICE with all sorts of ideas for the event.
VP: For the past two years, I was merely an attendee of ICE Diwali, and I thought it would be a great experience to be involved on the ‘other side’ of the event.
HCE: How is the celebration significant to you?
SS: Growing up, Diwali was my favorite holiday at home. Diwali ties me to my heritage and reminds me of my family
VP: Being born and raised in India, Diwali has always had a significant presence in my life. It would mean waking up early, performing prayer ceremonies, seeking everyone’s blessings, getting gifts and money, eating delicious foods and bursting a ton of fireworks. Now, as an Indian-American, it becomes especially significant as I try to preserve my heritage as well as redefine it.
HCE: What are your expectations for Diwali this year?
SS: For it to be a phenomenal event for all the attendees and for our culture to be shared successfully.
VP: As we try to bring something new to Emory ICE Diwali, we have also retained some aspects of it from the years past. We hope everyone enjoys Diwali just as much, and goes back with a greater appreciation of the cultural significance of Diwali (for India, its diaspora and for Emory as well).
HCE: What’s the most exciting part about Diwali?
SS: The opportunity that it gives us to share the Indian culture with the Emory community
VP: The crowd!
HCE: Does ICE have any other exciting events coming up?
SS: Holi and Chai House!
VP: Look out for ICE Mehendi Night (Tuesday, November 5th) to prepare for ICE Diwali. There will henna, sari tutorials, and food!