The Lab community is preparing for and celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. The family celebration took place on Oct. 14, and a student celebration sponsored by the Asian Students’ Association will be Oct. 27. 

The family Diwali celebration occurred in C116 with golden lanterns and flower petals lining the hallways. There was music and dancing, and attendees wore traditional clothing. 

“I don’t really get to dress up in Indian clothes very often, and it’s amazing to embrace this part of myself at Lab,” Vedika Dangi, ninth grader, said.  

The theme of the celebration was “golden,” featured in outfits, decorations and even some of the food. 

“Our theme is gold, so it’s like bringing in prosperity and happiness for the community,”  said Bhawna Singh, co-leader of the Parents’ Association Desi culture group. 

Diwali is among the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. 

The modern celebration usually includes dressing in colorful traditional clothing, lighting the inside and outside of homes with rows of lamps or other lights, and fireworks. Additionally, there  are worship services, a large traditional feast and gift exchanges. 

“We would get sweets, so it was like our Indian new year. We clean our house, decorate it,” Ms. Singh said. “It’s like our Christmas.”