Indus and Dhadkan host Diwali celebration at UCSB.

UC Santa Barbara student groups Indus and Dhadkan hosted a Diwali celebration on Nov. 14 that drew roughly 470 attendees despite rain, featuring catered Indian food, traditional dress, Garba dancing and Bollywood music.

UC Santa Barbara student groups Indus and Dhadkan hosted a Diwali celebration on Nov. 14 that drew roughly 470 attendees despite rainy conditions. The event centered at Corwin Pavilion, and dinner was moved indoors to the MultiCultural Center when the rain arrived. Organizers said the annual event offers a space for students who cannot celebrate at home and for others to experience South Asian traditions. The Associated Students Student Commission on Racial Equity collaborated on this year's celebration. Key details: - Attendance was reported at about 470 people. - The event was held at Corwin Pavilion on Nov. 14, with dinner moved to the MultiCultural Center due to rain. - Dinner was catered by Masala Spice Indian Cuisine and included items such as vegetable samosas, paneer curry, pilau rice, chana masala, mango lassi and gulab jamun. - Activities included Garba with dandiya sticks, a photo booth, and later music by DJ Shay playing Bollywood tracks. - Many attendees wore traditional clothing such as kurtas, sarees and lehengas, and organizers emphasized the event was open to all to showcase South Asian culture. Summary: The celebration combined food, music and traditional dance to create a community-focused gathering that organizers described as a way to reconnect students with South Asian culture. Rain required moving dinner indoors, which attendees said made the setting feel homier. Undetermined at this time.