Emory Diwali is the Indian Cultural Exchanges' signature event. Every year, this cultural get together is attended by hundreds of students and frequently ranks high in Emory's best events. 

Diwali is the Indian celebration of lights.  It's like Hannukah, but less Maccabees fighting Greeks, and more Indian gods fighting demons. The Emory event was held at the Hyatt in downtown Atlanta and focused on the cultural side of the holiday. It is a celebration of Indian culture in general. Diwali featured performances by Emory Indian dancing groups and had traditional Indian gourmet cuisine. The food was spicy but good. The fried dough balls for dessert was pretty legit. There was also a fashion show in which girls displayed traditional Indian garb. Indian girls love showin' off the mid drift. It was a pleasant change to see those tummies with most girls at Emory buttoning up for the fall. 

Overall the event did a really good job of introducing people to Indian culture while giving those students of Indian background a way to express their culture. The Hyatt was really cool, the ballroom was cool, and the atmosphere was refreshing; a lot of students don't get off campus too often.

The ball ended with a big dance party. Students gathered on the dance floor to bust out their best bhangra (pardon my spelling?) dance moves. The party didn't stop until after midnight when someone on the Indian Cultural Exchange announced on the loud speaker that everyone should "get the f**k out." I guess people didn't want to leave. Definitely check it out next year.