South Dakota Mines Hosts 34th Annual Diwali Celebration Featuring Food, Fireworks and Cultural Performances

November 16, 2023
South Dakota Mines Hosts 34th Annual Diwali Celebration Featuring Food, Fireworks and Cultural Performances
The Diwali celebration at South Dakota Mines includes cultural performances, traditional food and a fireworks show. It is free and open to the public.  

The India Club at South Dakota Mines will host the 34th annual celebration of Diwali - Festival of Lights, featuring cultural entertainment, food and fireworks on Saturday, Nov.18 in the Beck Ballroom at the Surbeck Center. The popular event draws a large crowd and is always free and open to the public. A photo album from the 2022 celebration can be found here.

Diwali is one of the largest festivals in India, celebrating the “victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance” across the subcontinent. Traditionally, the festival is marked with elaborate fairs, food preparations, prayers and gift-giving. The night is lit up with fireworks and houses are decked out with lamps and rangolis, welcoming wealth and prosperity into the household.

South Dakota Mines' India Club begins Diwali celebrations with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by cultural performances. The fireworks display begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by an authentic Indian dinner. The food is prepared by Indian students enrolled at Mines, aided by the local Indian community. Henna hand-painting stations and photo booths will also be available.

Mines extends thanks to many local businesses and organizations for their support and sponsorship of the event this year. The India Club appreciates any and all support from the public; those who wish to donate can find a link here.