The Diwali “Festival of Lights” celebration will be presented by Ashoka, the university’s South Asian Student Association, at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, and noon and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, in Edison Theatre. The performance, one of the largest student-run productions on campus, features actors, models and dancers performing a variety of styles in vibrant costumes.
This year’s celebration will include about 125 students performing dances, skits, a fashion show and a diya, or lamp lighting, said Meghna Kataky, co-cultural chair with Seema Belani of Ashoka. Ticket sales will raise money for Jaipur Foot, which provides artificial limbs and other aids to amputees in India and abroad.
Diwali is a major Hindu holiday celebrated not only by Hindus, but by Jains and Sikhs across India. During the holiday, people light small clay lamps, or diyas, representing the inner light all individuals possess to outshine the darkness they may experience. At WUSTL, it is a fusion of South Asian cultures. A longstanding university tradition, the show typically sells out.
For tickets call (314) 935-6543 or visit Edison Theatre.