A colorful celebration

It was flowing gowns and traditional garb for the Diwali celebration Saturday evening.

More than 500 people attended the Diwali event at Permian High School. Diwali is a holiday celebrated by the Hindu community that is also known as the “Festival of Lights.”

People of all ages participated in the event, which included dancing and traditional Indian fare that was catered in from the DFW metroplex, said Padmaja Patel, a Hindu Association of West Texas trustee.

“We make an effort to pass down our tradition and culture to our children,” Patel said.

Patel said it takes two or three months for dancers to learn their routines. Mothers, or other family members, often choreograph routines and Patel said that the entire process is centered on strengthening and honoring family and friendly relationships. Patel said it is a tradition that is passed down through the generations and dancers often start participating soon after they can walk.

In fact, many of the dancers have been participating in the event since they were as young as 2 years old.

Ashika Angirekula is just 12, but has been dancing in the Diwali celebration for 10 years. This year, she is participating in a story dance called “College to Marriage.” Angirekula said is about a girl’s journey through college as she also searches for her soul mate.

In keeping with tradition, her mom choreographed the dance and Angirekula wears a traditional Indian dress.

“I like to wear the costumes a lot,” Angirekula laughed. “Especially to parties.”

This year’s celebration paid tribute to both Hollywood and Bollywood. While traditional and colorful Bollywood dances were included, so was a nod to recent Hollywood blockbuster, “Slumdog Millionaire.” The finale included a dance to a Hindi song from the Oscar winner called “Jai Ho” that was choreographed by Kalpana Prasad.

The Diwali celebration attracts people from all faiths and cultures. Patel said Diwali is about welcoming everyone, no matter his or her faith or background.

Another dancer Nuvneet Khandelwal agreed. Khandelwal performed and choreographed a dance called “Lal Ghagri,” which is described as a Punjabi pop song. Khandelwal said as he is about to graduate from Odessa High School and go to college and he is grateful for the cultural experiences he has received from his family and through the Hindu Association.

“It’s a good way to spend time with friends,” Khandelwal said. “(Culture) is a big part of who you are. Everybody, no matter where you come from, should embrace their culture and traditions.”