Hundreds Join Campus Celebration of Diwali, Festival of Lights
November 15, 2023
Members of Dhamaka, Caltech's Bollywood dance team, pose at the conclusion of a Bollywood-fusion dance.
Biochemistry graduate student Nikki Swarna, singer for the Caltech-based band incubation.period, performed a mix of original songs and covers of popular hits from South Asia that mixed elements of indie rock with classical Indian music.
Chandru Dhandapani (PhD '19) leaps in the air as part of his performance of "Beats of Fire," a contemporary fusion of Indian classical dance.
On the ground, a rangoli (an intricate pattern of pigments and candles) welcomed participants to the festival.
Participants line up to sample a variety of Indian cuisine, including biryani, butter chicken, kadhai paneer masala, and gulab jamun.
Caltech's G1 dance troupe, composed of first-year graduate students, performs a contemporary Bollywood dance.