Westwood Diwali Festival Returns After Two-Year Hiatus

On November 12, The Westwood South Asian Association hosted its annual Diwali Festival at Westwood High School. The event returned after a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic. Diwali, a festival of lights, signifies the triumph of good over evil and is widely celebrated around the world by 500-600 million people. Typically, the celebration includes fireworks, lights, dancing, music, arts, and food. Westwood’s event was no exception and highlighted many facets of the festivities to the Westwood Community.

The response to the celebrations was spectacular. Almost 250 guests attended the event eager to enjoy the festivities. Some came early to partake in traditional clothes try-on and wear popular items like saree for the evening. In the cafeteria, Thurston Middle School Dean of Students, Edward Walker, performed the ceremonial lighting of the Diya to start the celebrations, followed by music, dance and drama by elementary and middle school children, and speeches by graduating seniors.

The evening showcased many aspects of South Asian culture including elaborate decorations, an art exhibition, children’s crafts, henna, and lessons in a folk dance, Dandiya, which featured guests dancing with colorful sticks. The evening also included a sumptuous Indian meal and a lively DJ music that got the guests dancing to energetic Bollywood music.