Diwali Celebration at Mines Features Fireworks, Cultural Performances, & Tastes of India

The India Club at South Dakota Mines hosted the 32nd annual celebration of Diwali Night, featuring cultural entertainment, food and fireworks show, on Saturday, Nov. 20. The popular annual event draws a large crowd and is always free and open to the public. A photo album from the 2021 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.

Mines' India Club begins Diwali celebrations with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by cultural performances. Fireworks display across from Surbeck 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 Indian diaspora of Rapid City. Henna hand-painting stations and photo booths will also be available.

Festival organizers are always looking to engage local businesses in sponsoring Diwali Night, as well as supporting other student-led events and community service projects. Mines extends thanks to these business and organizations for their support this year, Coca-Cola, Masala Mart, The Rushmore Inn, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Everest Cuisine, Kathmandu Bistro, Dream Design International, Firehouse Brewing Co., Super 8, the Ivanhoe International Center and International Students, Inc. for their invaluable help in putting together this event. The India Club appreciates any and all support from the public; those who wish to donate can click here.