South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) organized a celebration for Diwali on the quad on Oct. 28. At the event, students painted diyas and drew henna, and samosas and beverages were brought as refreshments.
Diwali is a multicultural holiday known as the “festival of lights,” often celebrated by lighting lamps known as “diyas,” hosting large banquets similar to the one organized by SASA and other activities. The event symbolizes three ideals, which are the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
SASA leader Samaya Sayana-Machanda ’26 said she felt a sense of community and developed a greater attachment to her culture during the Diwali event.
“I liked the atmosphere at the Diwali event,” Sayana-Machanda said. “It was a great space for people to come together, celebrate and appreciate the aspects of South Asian culture. The music, food and activities made it feel really special, and it was amazing to see everyone so engaged. I felt more connected to my culture, especially since Diwali is such a significant celebration in Indian culture. Seeing friends and classmates enjoying it too created a sense of shared happiness, which was really meaningful.”
SASA leader Nikhil Sarvaiya ’26 said he appreciated the upbeat mood of the event. He also said he wanted to emphasize the meaning of discovering more about other cultures and participating in their celebrations.
“What I enjoyed most about the Diwali celebration was how relaxing and rejuvenating it felt,” Sarvaiya said. “People were able to come and learn about the culture, enjoy their samosas and tap into their artistic side. It’s important for students to learn about other cultures and to show support for other communities at Harvard-Westlake. We are so grateful for all the people who came and celebrated Diwali with us.”
Muslim Student Association (MSA) Leader Zidaan Sattar ’26 said he appreciated the amount of representation at the event as well as being able to see other cultures being recognized at the event.
“I really enjoyed the activities they had such as painting and the music at the event,” Sattar said. “It’s important for students to attend more cultural events because it spreads understanding about other cultures and teaches people to respect others. It also helps us become more open to new experiences. I feel like I learned more about Diwali and got to represent my culture at the event.”
