Celebrated around the world, Diwali is a Hindu festival that represents the victory of good over evil. On Oct. 31, Poly celebrated Diwali, with leaders of the South Asian Culture Club and the Asian American Alliance hosting a Diwali event on Arden Lawn. During lunch, upper schoolers dropped in, hung out, and experienced some popular traditions.

Attendee Senior Jerry Shi shared, “I enjoyed the sweets and the bountiful prospects of the Indian community prospering within the diverse Poly community.” One of the traditional activities included Mehndi, a temporary, natural skin dye more commonly known in the United States as Henna. Students drew designs on themselves and their friends, wiping them off after the ink had set, leaving a pattern that would last through the week. Additionally, students got to sample an Indian sweet called ladoos and vegetarian samosas with traditional sauces, like chutney. Lastly, Diyas, oil lamps or sometimes candles, were lit around Arden lawn.

Sophomore Yash Tandon, co-leader of the South Asian Culture Club, described, “[Diyas] are supposed to lighten up a place, spiritually cleanse it in a way because it’s the Hindu New Year.” The event honored and celebrated worldwide cultures within the Poly community. Looking ahead, the South Asian Culture Club plans to bring more events to the Poly community. The other leader of SACC, Sophomore Arjun Singh, noted “We are going to be doing some other fun ones like Holi and cricket games.” Helping to grow bonds and spread joy within the community, Poly looks forward to future events like the Diwali celebration.