Diwali show

Some members of the local Hindu community believe the Diwali holiday known as the "Festival of Lights" serves to dispel ignorance.

It’s a concept both Hindu and non-Hindu can experience together through the annual Diwali cultural show scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at Permian High School.

The program primarily is geared toward showing off the Hindu culture to West Texas and is sponsored by the Hindu Association of West Texas, which has a temple in Midland.

For cultural secretary Kalpana Prasad, the annual show is a source of pride. Young people make up the majority of those performing for the public. After they perform both modern and traditional folk dances in cultural costumes, an Indian meal will be served.

After the meal, the floor will be cleared for a large traditional dance called the dandia raas. Those taking part in the dance create their own form of music with sticks.

"Anybody that knows it can join in; some non-Indian friends have learned it by coming for years," Prasad said.

She said Diwali came a bit earlier this year than normal, and the dancers need about two months to practice and prepare for the event. With school starting in late August, there wasn’t enough time to get ready for the event to take place in October.

Prasad said Indians take Diwali seriously.

"It’s one of the main holidays. Before the holiday, people clean the house like they do spring cleaning here," she said. "There’s lots of food and fireworks."

Hindu Association of West Texas Board President Nalin Tolia said the local Hindu community has increased substantially since he arrived in Odessa 35 years ago.

Tolia compared Diwali to Christmas in terms of its importance and symbolism.

"When you light the candle, the darkness disappears, the inner light removes ignorance and fear," he said.

Smriti Prasad, a 15-year-old sophomore at OHS, said she is excited to dance for the annual show.

"I’ve been dancing since I was 4, and I love the whole atmosphere," she said.

She said she thinks Diwali and the cultural show do two things for the community.

"It’s important for the whole community to get together and see there’s not as many differences as we might think," Smriti Prasad said. "It helps show our culture to the community."

IF YOU GO

>> What: Annual Diwali cultural show.

>> Who: The Hindu Association of West Texas.

>> When: 5 p.m. Nov. 7.

>> Where: Permian High School.

>> Program: Features traditional and modern dancing and showcases Indian culture.

>> Tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for children.

>> Call: 367-7926.