Kent State’s Indian student community lit up the Student Center Ballroom Saturday evening during “DIA with KIA,” a post-Diwali celebration hosted by the Kent Indian Association.
The event featured food, music, dance performances and games, offered students a taste of home while sharing Indian culture with the broader campus community.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In India, the festival is celebrated with family gatherings, the lighting of oil lamps (diyas) and religious rituals. For international students, celebrating Diwali far from home often comes with a sense of nostalgia.
“This is not the same as Diwali celebrated in India with all the rituals, but KIA put in so much effort to make it fun and give a vibe of home,” Isha Gupta, a sophomore computer science major, said. “It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together for this.”
The evening began with a buffet of Indian dishes, including biryani and gulab jamun. Students crowded around the tables, savoring familiar flavors.
“I’ve learned so much about Indian culture since coming to Kent State, and events like this are a great way to experience the energy and hospitality,” Chukwudi Nwoko, a graduate student, said. “The food and the music were amazing.”
Following the dinner, dance performances by students drew loud cheers and applause. A vibrant Bollywood medley showcased colorful costumes and synchronized choreography. Several students joined an impromptu dance circle during the open floor session, moving to popular Indian songs.
For many attendees, the event was a welcome respite from the stress of finals and a chance to reconnect with their roots.
“Celebrating Diwali here reminds us of the importance of community,” Gupta said. “Even though we are far from family, we have built our own little family here at Kent State.”
KIA President Teja Tandule thanked the attendees for their enthusiasm and the volunteers who helped organize the event. Tandule said the event reflected the university’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange, with students from diverse backgrounds attending the celebration.
As the lights dimmed and the music slowed, students lingered in the ballroom, taking photos with friends and savoring the atmosphere. To them, for a few hours, the campus felt a little more like home.
“It’s amazing to see people from different cultures coming together and enjoying this festival,” Nwoko said. “It shows how much we can learn from each other.”
Priyanshi is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
