On Oct. 25, Indian culture filled Sherman Function Hall during one of the most colorful and energetic events of the year. Hosted by Brandeis University's chapter of Namaskar (the Association for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains), Diwali and Navratri 2008 was the event of the weekend, bringing hundreds of students and Brandeis community members together to experience India's music, food and art. Diwali is also known as Deepavali, which means "row of lamps," and actually occurs on Oct. 28 following the Hindu calendar's new moon day. It is celebrated in India by setting off fireworks, giving gifts and lighting diyas, candles meant to drive away darkness and evil. Navratrih is celebrated with a circular dance called Garba.

The night began with a slideshow by Dipal Savla '12 that showed pictures of last year's Diwali event. The two festivals were introduced, and the first ceremony of Puja began. The Puja (a religious ritual performed to show respect to the gods) involved a shrine with pictures of the Hindu gods Ganesh, Saraswati and Laxni and the singing of aarthi, or prayer songs.

Performances by Brandeis students followed. Nipun Marwaha '12 sang a traditional Indian song while Ethan Geringer-Sameth '12 laid down a fiery beat with the tabla, a type of Indian drum. Ashni Dave '12 gave a riveting performance of a classical Indian dance called Kathak, which means "storytelling." The audience cheered enthusiastically as she executed perfect spins in her traditional Indian Angarkha (an outfit consisting of figure-hugging trousers that are worn beneath a flared skirt). Her ensemble also included a long necklace, bangles, Tikka earrings and bells on her ankles. Dave used bells called ghunghru, to tap out a fast, rhythmic beat displaying impressive footwork.

When the Indian dinner line was opened, attendants showed their enthusiasm for free food by swarming the tables. The items offered included Indian rice pudding, rice, aloo (a potato dish) and paneer, a curry with cream and cubes of cheese.

In the center of the hall was the Rangoli table. Rangoli is a popular form of sandpainting in India that involves bright colors and depictions of nature. A piece of wax paper was placed over the pre-drawn pattern, covering the entire circular table. Then, anyone who wanted to could use glue and colored rice to follow the elaborate pattern.

Students also lined up to receive henna tattoos from a professional artist. Henna is often used in Hindu weddings to beautify the hands and bring good fortune. The artist tattooed elaborate patterns on students' hands and arms for free.

The main attraction that night, however, was the social dance. After Shailee Vora '12 explained Garba, the floor was opened up to those who wished to participate in the circle. Garba is composed of relatively simple steps that can be embellished with turns and spins. The anyone-can-join nature of the dance could be compared to Western social dances such as the electric slide and Cupid shuffle. However, Garba proved to be somewhat challenging to newcomers as the circle of dancers pulsated and twisted quickly in a spectacular showcase of uniform motion.

The next dance was called Raas, a line dance that involved participants holding two sticks and hitting them in patterns with those of the dancer across from them. The dance was simpler and, for most novices of Indian social dance, more enjoyable. Some even formed their own circle and improvised steps and moves involving the sticks. Whether doing their own dance or lining up for Raas, everyone enjoyed dancing with the wooden sticks.

When the sticks were returned, however, people were not ready to stop dancing. The dance floor was opened up for the final hour of Diwali and Navratri as students danced to upbeat Punjabi and popular music. It was a stunning merging of Western party dancing and Indian dance that lasted until the very end of the night.

Namaskar's Diwali 2008, co-sponsored by South Asian Students Association, showcased Brandeis' cultural and religious passion and provided an opportunity for students new to Indian culture to learn and experience something fresh. Ariel Zommer '12, who had never been to an Indian or Hindu event, said she "loved the dancing, because having fun is the best way to experience a culture."

"I had no idea what to expect," she said. "I was surprised at how many people showed up, but I guess everyone at Brandeis is up for trying new things.