Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the world in October or November. Customs of celebrating Diwali vary, but most include the lighting of oil lamps, signifying light on the darkest day of the month. Maadhavan Prasanna ’25, a member of the South Asian Student Association (SASA), said, “Diwali is a celebration of light prevailing over dark.”
In 2022, Dr. Anju Taneja, instructor in physics, hosted the school’s first Diwali gathering in her home. She also offered a class on garba, a dance style originating in northern India. Dr. Taneja said, “Upon my arrival at Hotchkiss in 2001, the school community’s awareness of Diwali was limited to those who had some association with cultures [that celebrate the holiday].”
On November 12, the school organized the now-annual Diwali feast in the Faculty Room. Community members enjoyed Indian food, including naan (flat bread) and butter chicken. Prasanna said, “It was a triumph for the Indian community, as we jointly sought to embrace the collective joy of Diwali. We enjoyed Bollywood dance, delectable food, and community.”
