Blog 16: Festival of Lights, and Home Away from Home

Gogoal Falia

Festivities in Aggieland are abundant. We have football and tailgating, and then we have the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Of course, the advantage of living in a university town with the largest student population is that inadvertently, you learn about different cultures and their festivities, and to my delight, get an opportunity to partake in them. Amidst more than several dozen strong international student bodies, it is easy to immerse yourself in a culture that is different from one’s own. But there are times when you long for the comfort of your own culture, food, and festivities. Thus, when I read about the Diwali 2022 celebrations planned by
the Indian Graduate Students Organization (IGSA), It brought back memories of my childhood in India.

For the uninitiated, Diwali means ‘a row of lights’. This festival is one of the biggest ones in the Hindu religion and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated by almost a billion people across the world in India, Singapore, Fiji, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Guyana, among others, it is perhaps not unfair to call it a global festival. Many are drawn to it due to their faith, others wish to view the lit earthen lamps, some for the fireworks while most for the food. It has something for everyone, irrespective of how religious one is. Maybe that’s why a nation as diverse as India and of a multitude of faiths, Diwali celebrations transcend boundaries, of both heart and devotion. Memories often have a way of showing up when the mind needs a reason to ease. My fondest memories of this festival involve friends and family, a never-ending procession of lights, fireworks, colorful sweets, and an excuse to skip school the following day. Even though I now live thousands of miles away from the streets that gave me those memories, nevertheless, I carry them with me.

This is my second Diwali in Aggieland, but it will be my first time attending IGSA’s Diwali event. While the night promises food and fireworks, I cannot help but appreciate the hard work international Aggies put in to adhere to their faith and beliefs while showcasing their culture and inviting others to be part of the celebration. Now, for those who have never been to a Diwali event, it is easy to be doubtful, and uncertain. Fret not! I encourage you to partake in any Diwali celebration near you. It will give you an immersion into a culture that perhaps you have only heard of but never experienced. Or it could be a way to meet fellow Aggies and make friends. I can promise you that you will return home after the festivities with a smile on your face and a tranquil heart. For everything good in us will always prevail, and so will the memories of Diwali in your heart and mind, for years to come. And, if you see me during or after the event, say howdy!

Let’s celebrate.