2008 Woodie Awards
Diwali banquet sets record attendance
D.R. Bartlette
Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Life & Style
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Saturday, the Friends of India's annual Diwali banquet sold out, with about 1,000 people attending - the most ever in its 39-year history.
"I'm just glad to see that the whole hall is full," said Ajay Malshe, the Friends of India faculty adviser.
This was the first year the event was held in Barnhill Arena. Previously, it had been held in the Union Ballroom, which can only seat about 700 people. However, the response from the community made it possible to fill the seats in the bigger venue.
"This was something the community was ready for," Malshe said. "The UA truly represents an institution that values diversity."
Mayor Dan Coody, who was not in attendance, issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 20, 2007, "Friends of India Diwali Day." In the proclamation, the Diwali banquet was called the most popular community event in Fayetteville.
Ronnie Hoover, a campus pastor with Chi Alpha, said that this is the largest non-sports event on campus, and that it has more support in the community than any other event. Hoover said he attends the event almost every year.
Just before the event began, the entire seating area was suddenly plunged into darkness - completely by accident. The lights had malfunctioned. But it made it seem all the more appropriate when the lights came back on at the beginning of the program.
Diwali is a popular Indian holiday celebrating the victory of good - symbolized by light - over evil - symbolized by darkness. Traditionally, candles and lamps are lit to represent hope for humankind.
"The symbolism is the same all over the world, of light and goodness," said Robert McMath, Honors College dean and professor of history.
During the banquet, women in colorful, glittering saris were chatting with friends or posing for pictures. Men and women gathered in small groups to visit with friends, old and new. While the majority of the guests were from Indian descent, there were many others in attendance as well.
"I'm just glad to see that the whole hall is full," said Ajay Malshe, the Friends of India faculty adviser.
This was the first year the event was held in Barnhill Arena. Previously, it had been held in the Union Ballroom, which can only seat about 700 people. However, the response from the community made it possible to fill the seats in the bigger venue.
"This was something the community was ready for," Malshe said. "The UA truly represents an institution that values diversity."
Mayor Dan Coody, who was not in attendance, issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 20, 2007, "Friends of India Diwali Day." In the proclamation, the Diwali banquet was called the most popular community event in Fayetteville.
Ronnie Hoover, a campus pastor with Chi Alpha, said that this is the largest non-sports event on campus, and that it has more support in the community than any other event. Hoover said he attends the event almost every year.
Just before the event began, the entire seating area was suddenly plunged into darkness - completely by accident. The lights had malfunctioned. But it made it seem all the more appropriate when the lights came back on at the beginning of the program.
Diwali is a popular Indian holiday celebrating the victory of good - symbolized by light - over evil - symbolized by darkness. Traditionally, candles and lamps are lit to represent hope for humankind.
"The symbolism is the same all over the world, of light and goodness," said Robert McMath, Honors College dean and professor of history.
During the banquet, women in colorful, glittering saris were chatting with friends or posing for pictures. Men and women gathered in small groups to visit with friends, old and new. While the majority of the guests were from Indian descent, there were many others in attendance as well.
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