“In the days leading up to the festival, people clean and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs (colored sand art) in the entryway of their homes and yellow and orange marigold garlands adorning the doorways,” said an event coordinator Shilpa Jhobalia. “Light is displayed via fireworks and lighting divas (small oil lamps made of clay) and placing them inside and outside the home. Traditional Indian sweets, savory snacks and gifts are shared with friends, neighbors, and family to welcome the new year.”

The event saw attendees partake in a full Indian dinner including samosa, chana masala, saag paneer, aloo gobi, chocolate barfi and mango lassi. Kids enjoyed a meal of macaroni and cheese, french fries and broccoli.

“Children were invited to decorate and take home their own diva,” said Jhobalia. “Following dinner, the origins of Diwali were shared in a short speech along with an upbeat Bollywood dance performance by three young girls from the Marquette community. Afterwards, traditional Gujarati folk dances were demonstrated and guests were invited to dance. The folk dance of Garba was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2003, where dancers clap in unison and move rhythmically in a large circle and with smaller concentric circles within to folk music that goes faster throughout the night.”

Guests also learned a traditional folk dance called Dandiya Raas, where dancers use a pair of rhythm sticks to hit the sticks of their partner, as well as the Panjabi folk dance of Bhangra, a dance to welcome the harvest.

Members of the Diwali Planning committee pose for a photo with friends and family. (Photo courtesy of Shilpa Jhobalia)

“The Diwali Planning Committee is hoping to plan a Holi festival in the spring, where participants throw colorful powder on one another,” said Jhobalia. “These events are incredibly important as it gives Yoopers a chance to learn about different cultures, festivals and folk dances that are celebrated around the world and eat international cuisine that can be difficult to find in the UP. These events help build community and build a better understanding of how diverse and rich with culture our world truly is.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is