Diwali at RCHK: RCIA’s dazzling debut

By Hailey Lee

Celebrated by over a billion people worldwide, Diwali is a significant date for the Hindus that marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali is traditionally marked by lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with colorful rangoli, exchanging gifts, and sharing sweets.

October 29th marked the introduction of Diwali celebrations to RCHK. Organized by the newly established Renaissance College Indian Association (RCIA), the celebration included both a flash mob on the basketball court at break time, and food, games, and performances set up in the PAC at lunchtime.

Over 50 student and teacher performers alike were buzzing with the excitement that came with collaborating and performing as a group prior to the flash mob, and immense crowds of spectators lined up on the sides of the basketball court to watch their friends and favorite teachers perform this meaningful and symbolic dance. The dance was split into several parts; first the RCIA waltzed to the frontline in dazzling lehengas and swept the audience off their feet with their sensational dance moves. They were then followed by a group of enthusiastic students that had signed up to participate in the flash mob, and it was astonishing to see such a diverse group brought together by something that held so much religious and symbolic value, moving together in a seamless, harmonic flow.

Teachers, who had been anxiously waiting on the sides for their turn, now clapped, skipped into their formation and indulged themselves in the performance, all with the lively Bollywood music pounding in their ears and the rhythm and synchronization of their movements forgotten for the moment. The performance flowed seamlessly, and led by the confident members of RCIA, it was easy to catch the rhythm and move to the beat, even for less confident dancers.

At lunchtime, crowds flooded into the PAC to find lights turned down low, with friendly faces behind food, game, and Henna painting stalls that accompanied the loud music that blasted from the overhead speakers.

RCIA was overjoyed to have Dr. Brown open the event by lighting a diya on stage, and from there the performances were nothing short of spectacular. Students unveiled their hidden talents for dancing, singing, and other performances that respected Indian culture.

Between performances, students were free to get up and explore the stalls, many getting beautiful henna tattoos or being pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of the complimentary chicken tikkas and samosas provided for anyone who attended the event.

Co-leader of RCIA and primary organizer of the event, Hritihk Samtani, found the event an ‘astounding success’, and stated that RCIA were pleasantly surprised by the large amounts of students and teachers that participated, and that ‘it really made our (their) efforts feel appreciated.’.

‘The event ran very smoothly,’ said Hrithik. ‘We received positive feedback from many attendees.’

RCIA, following the success of the Diwali event, plans to host more events in the future such as Holi - the festival of colors, ultimately aiming to ‘foster a sense of togetherness in the school community.’

All in all, 2024 Diwali celebrations at RCHK were a smashing success that made a perfect debut for RCIA in the 2024-2025 academic year, leaving the school community anxiously awaiting the exciting events they have in store for us.