Celebrating Our Diversity with Diwali

Celebrating Our Diversity with Diwali


The UCLA Anderson community united for the traditional South Asian festival of lights


To celebrate the international diversity of UCLA Anderson, the Center for Global Management actively supports cultural events hosted by international student clubs such as the South Asian Business Association (SABA). SABA promotes familiarity and understanding of the South Asian culture and traditions among Anderson students during their annual flagship event, the Diwali festival. Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of lights that marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated every year in the fall, usually in the months of October and November in the northern hemisphere (spring in the southern hemisphere).

Last fall, more than 400 domestic and international students attended a weekly Anderson Afternoons social event, which was transformed by SABA to celebrate Diwali. UCLA Anderson’s North Terrace was decorated with diyas (lamps), traditional Indian food was served and members of SABA were dressed in traditional Indian attire. Various aspects of the Indian culture were on display with performances of a Bhangra dance and a Bollywood dance showcase by SABA members. Other activities to engage the attendees included a mehndi or henna hand tattoo stall and showcase of rangoli (colorful art). Earlier in the day, Indian sweets were distributed by SABA members to all first-year MBA sections to educate students about the history of Diwali. 

Diwali
High-energy Bhangra performance by first-year SABA members Deepak, Abhijit, Karan and Tanjeet

Diwali
Bollywood dance performance by SABA members Mayank, Karan, Abhijit, Mounica, Raylan and Pranav

Diwali
Anderson students applied mehndi (henna) designs as part of the cultural experience

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