Masala SACE’s Diwali ~ Festival of Lights
On November 5 this year, Vanderbilt’s South Asian Cultural Exchange group Masala-SACE put on their annual Diwali performance. Diwali is celebrated in South Asia and is known as the “festival of lights” for the “traditional practice of placing lighted oil lamps (diyas) around the house. The holiday marks the Indian New Year and is recognized through large firework displays and the exchange of delicious sweets. Although, the meaning of Diwali is different for different parts of South Asia, the basis remains the same. Diwali signifies the renewal of life” (From the The Playbook Diwali 2011, Vanderbilt University Masala-SACE).
My parents were in town that weekend so I took my mom to see the Diwali performance. Masala-SACE choreographers teach volunteer students to dance different types of Indian dances, which they perform along with Masala-SACE members at at Diwali. There are other types of events like this around campus that promote intercultural understanding. They are Diwali, the Asian New Year Festival, and Cafe Con Leche put on by Masala-SACE, AASA, and VAHS. Diwali also features Vanderbilt’s Premier South Asian A Cappella group, Vandy Taal. (Definitely check out this link, their song covers are amazing!)
The performance was especially cool because a lot of my friends were in it and everything looked fantastic! The theme of this year’s Diwali performance was “How I Met Your Mummy,” a parody of the popular CBS show “How I Met Your Mother.” It featured seniors playing the iconic roles of the married couple, the man searching for his soul mate, the crazy female friend, and the hysterically ridiculous bachelor friend.
I’ve always wanted to sign up to dance in Diwali, but never have in my 3 years at Vanderbilt. I will definitely NOT miss out on the chance next year! The Diwali performance was amazing!
