Shubh Diwali: Beloit’s Own Little Light Festival

By VIVIAN KOPKA

Beloit students gathered to celebrate Diwali on Saturday, Oct. 25. The Powerhouse Stack was fashioned with faux orange marigolds, candles, and platters upon platters of Indian Cuisine. The event, organized by the Asia Pacific Students’ Association (APSA), hosted many students and professors from many different backgrounds. Most dressed in traditional garb or wore bright colors, as per tradition of Diwali. 

Diwali, a festival of lights, was actually on Monday, Oct. 20 or Tuesday Oct. 21, depending on location. The festival is a celebration of many things, depending on religion and culture, but it marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. It’s a time to celebrate with friends and family, and a time to decorate the body, with new clothes and accessories, and the home. 

Anika Singh’29, one of two co-presidents of APSA, was grateful for the success of her first Beloit Diwali celebration, and praised the hard work of the whole APSA team. “We have a lot more things planned for the future with a lot of different festivals coming up, so really looking forward to those!” she wrote. 

Demir Kasapoğlu’28 attended APSA’s Diwali event this year for the second year. He stressed the importance of going to cultural events, regardless of individual culture: “you’re here in Beloit to learn. Since we have a high international student population, I think it’s a great time for people to learn about different cultures and countries,” he said. 

_{Featured image: Vivian Kopka’27}