Strands of colored Christmas lights and lively traditional music welcomed visitors to the "Diwali Mela 2005" celebration in the McDonel Hall Kiva on Thursday night.
During the about three-hour event, the Hindu festival of lights participants had an opportunity to paint pottery and get henna body art.
The event, put on by the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students, or CIUS, also raised money for victims of the October earthquake in South Asia.
Medical technology junior Haile Jones said she has come for the past three years and that she enjoys the culture.
"They have some cool dances I would love to learn," Jones said. "It's always good to learn cultures outside of your own culture. It makes you a better person, and you appreciate other people more."
In Hinduism, Diwali recalls the story of when Lord Ram returned to his city, Ayodhya, after being exiled for 14 years. Upon his arrival, members of the city used lights as a showing of happiness for his return.
"It's like the celebration of the victory of light over evil and knowledge over darkness," said Roopak Kandasamy, a finance senior and president of CIUS.
The short explanation of the festival was also provided for those who attended.
Although Diwali is a religious festival, many non-Hindus celebrate the festival as well, using it to mark the beginning of the new year, said Sapna Mulchandani, a supply chain management junior and secretary of CIUS. Many businesses in India start new record books after the festival as well.
During Diwali, which is about five days long, family and friends unite to visit and exchange gifts, said Meena Sharma, an Okemos resident and member of Bharatiya Temple of Lansing, 955 Haslett Road.
"This is our main festival — you can compare it with Christmas," Sharma said. "I feel good because it has become a main festival when people reach out to other friends who aren't aware of the festival. It's a time of joy."
Sharma coordinated the Diwali Cultural Program for Bharatiya Temple, which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the Okemos High School auditorium, 2800 Jolly Road.
Physiology and premedical sophomore Saud Sediqe said although he grew up in Afghanistan, he is familiar with the traditions and cultures of India and Pakistan because they are right next door.
"It's just interesting — it's just fun," Sediqe said. "There's so much talk about Muslims and Hindus. I see no difference."
As the MSU Bhangra dance team performed, members of the audience clapped to the music and cheered on the nine dancers.
Mulchandani said the campus event was an opportunity for students — who possibly couldn't go home for the festival — and their friends to observe the holiday together.
"No matter who you are or what religion you are, Diwali is something everyone enjoys and celebrates," she said. "In American culture, I'm not Christian, but I celebrate Christmas with my friends.
"Diwali is like this — everyone comes, enjoys and has fun."
