MTU Indian Students Association celebrates Diwali

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

It was the association’s annual Diwali Night, which commemorates 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 the children, so everyone has a fond memory of Diwali, and we just try to make everyone feel at home when they are here,” Chakrabarty said.

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

After dinner, a number of cultural events took place. New this year was a skit about one of the legends behind Diwali. The students also presented dances from different parts of India.

“I’m really happy because I’ve never seen a performance like this before,” said MTU student Victoria Sientillan. “It gave me a chance to see something different.”

She came to support her friend who danced and wanted to learn about other cultures.

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

He encourages you to come and take part in the event next year.

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

He says it’s nice to see the community accepting its culture.