Spring Break
Navratri and Diwali observed at Brandeis
by Wei Huan Chen
Staff Writer
Arts | 10/28/08
Posted online at 1:29 AM EST on 10/28/08
On Oct. 25, Indian culture filled Sherman Function Hall during one of the most colorful and energetic events of the year. Hosted by Brandeis University's chapter of Namaskar (the Association for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains), Diwali and Navratri 2008 was the event of the weekend, bringing hundreds of students and Brandeis community members together to experience India's music, food and art.
Diwali is also known as Deepavali, which means "row of lamps," and actually occurs on Oct. 28 following the Hindu calendar's new moon day. It is celebrated in India by setting off fireworks, giving gifts and lighting diyas, candles meant to drive away darkness and evil. Navratrih is celebrated with a circular dance called Garba.
The night began with a slideshow by Dipal Savla '12 that showed pictures of last year's Diwali event. The two festivals were introduced, and the first ceremony of Puja began. The Puja (a religious ritual performed to show respect to the gods) involved a shrine with pictures of the Hindu gods Ganesh, Saraswati and Laxni and the singing of aarthi, or prayer songs.
Performances by Brandeis students followed. Nipun Marwaha '12 sang a traditional Indian song while Ethan Geringer-Sameth '12 laid down a fiery beat with the tabla, a type of Indian drum. Ashni Dave '12 gave a riveting performance of a classical Indian dance called Kathak, which means "storytelling." The audience cheered enthusiastically as she executed perfect spins in her traditional Indian Angarkha (an outfit consisting of figure-hugging trousers that are worn beneath a flared skirt). Her ensemble also included a long necklace, bangles, Tikka earrings and bells on her ankles. Dave used bells called ghunghru, to tap out a fast, rhythmic beat displaying impressive footwork.
When the Indian dinner line was opened, attendants showed their enthusiasm for free food by swarming the tables. The items offered included Indian rice pudding, rice, aloo (a potato dish) and paneer, a curry with cream and cubes of cheese.
Diwali is also known as Deepavali, which means "row of lamps," and actually occurs on Oct. 28 following the Hindu calendar's new moon day. It is celebrated in India by setting off fireworks, giving gifts and lighting diyas, candles meant to drive away darkness and evil. Navratrih is celebrated with a circular dance called Garba.
The night began with a slideshow by Dipal Savla '12 that showed pictures of last year's Diwali event. The two festivals were introduced, and the first ceremony of Puja began. The Puja (a religious ritual performed to show respect to the gods) involved a shrine with pictures of the Hindu gods Ganesh, Saraswati and Laxni and the singing of aarthi, or prayer songs.
Performances by Brandeis students followed. Nipun Marwaha '12 sang a traditional Indian song while Ethan Geringer-Sameth '12 laid down a fiery beat with the tabla, a type of Indian drum. Ashni Dave '12 gave a riveting performance of a classical Indian dance called Kathak, which means "storytelling." The audience cheered enthusiastically as she executed perfect spins in her traditional Indian Angarkha (an outfit consisting of figure-hugging trousers that are worn beneath a flared skirt). Her ensemble also included a long necklace, bangles, Tikka earrings and bells on her ankles. Dave used bells called ghunghru, to tap out a fast, rhythmic beat displaying impressive footwork.
When the Indian dinner line was opened, attendants showed their enthusiasm for free food by swarming the tables. The items offered included Indian rice pudding, rice, aloo (a potato dish) and paneer, a curry with cream and cubes of cheese.
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