Celebrated on a new moon day that is one of the darkest days of the year, Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil.  Hindus around the world light lamps on this occasion to commemorate the victory of light over darkness. According to Hindu legend, Diwali honors the stories of two avatars, or incarnations, of the Hindu God Vishnu.

The Diwali celebrations at Dartmouth seek to unite the traditional aspects of the festival while including the larger Dartmouth community. The event begins with a service in Rollins Chapel, moves to a more public celebration on the Green with the lighting of over 5000 lamps, and then to a Cultural Show at Rollins, followed immediately by a home-cooked Indian dinner. This year, the Cultural Show will feature performances by Dartmouth undergrads and grads, community members, and Raaz, Dartmouth's South Asian Dance Troupe. The official schedule is as follows:

Diwali at Dartmouth is free & open to all.

PROGRAM

3.30-4.30 pm: Hindu Puja at Rollins Chapel (seating starts at 3.15 pm)
4.30-5.30 pm: Lighting Lamps and sparklers on Dartmouth Green (5000 lamps!)
5.45-7.00 pm: Cultural Program at Rollins Chapel (seating starts at 5.30 pm)
7.00-8:30 pm: Indian Vegetarian Dinner at Rollins Chapel