Otterbein Asian Community Brings Diwali Celebration to Otterbein

By Dylan Truong ’28

The Otterbein Asian Community (OAC) student organization invites the Otterbein community to celebrate Diwali on Oct. 15 from 4-6 p.m. in front of the Campus Center. This event will include diyas, traditional food, and music, giving students the chance not only to experience the beauty of this holiday but also learn more about its cultural and spiritual significance. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural traditions and values that continue to shape millions of lives around the world. 

For Hindu students and communities around the world, Diwali is one of the most important and meaningful times of the year. Diwali, also known as “Festival of Lights” or “Tihar,” is a Hindu holiday that celebrates and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is celebrated across South Asian countries like Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and many more. Diwali is usually celebrated for five days with each day carrying its own traditions and meanings. This year, Diwali will begin on Oct. 20.

As there are many people who celebrate Diwali, it means different things to different people. Sophomore Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major Manasvi Raut states, “Diwali is a celebration of finding the light in the darkness, of family and of celebrating the past and possibility.”

Beyond its traditions, Diwali carries deeper meaning. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and togetherness reminding people to spread kindness, hope and unity. Families celebrate by lighting diyas (small oil lamps), decorating homes with colorful rangoli, exchanging sweets, and enjoying festive meals. In many traditions, Diwali also honors the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

According to sophomore Accounting major Gauri Subedi, “(Diwali is the day) where families, children, and friends come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Also, the day where we can celebrate return of lights, positivity, and peace back in our lives. As Hindu we widely respect knowledge and having the privilege of growing your knowledge. Which is also another reason we celebrate Diwali, knowledge over ignorance. I am very grateful and proud to be able to share a token of our religion and belief with others.”

Along with this, the perspective of sophomore Criminology and Justice Studies (CJS) and Sociology major Dylan Truong on this holiday is, “Diwali is more than just a holiday — it’s a reminder to carry light into our lives and the community around us.”

Sophomore Nursing major Smriti Adhikari describes how Diwali is celebrated in her house. “We celebrate Diwali by placing diyas around the house, and I feel like they’re reminding us that no matter how much darkness is around, even a small light can change everything,” she says. “That feels true in life, too, because even little moments of hope or kindness can make such a big difference. Diwali also makes me think about myself, about the things I need to let go of. It feels like a chance to leave behind negativity and make space for something better. More than anything, it connects me to my family, my culture, and my faith.”