Little candles flickered along the edges of the walls and tabletops in celebration of the “Festival of Lights,” during Sunday evening’s Diwali Night celebration.

At the Ward Theatre, 218 South Main Street, Central Michigan University’s Indian Student Association celebrated Diwali Night with about 400 attendees who immersed themselves in Indian culture with music, dance and authentic Indian food.

The music was like a heartbeat, pumping movement through the veins of Jessica Rorai, Office of International Affairs admissions officer, who said she was excited to be there.

“The music (there) makes me want to dance, you just can’t sit there. You gotta move,“ she said.

The start of Diwali night was honored by the breaking of a coconut, a tradition that represents Jesus Christ’s sacrifice during the crucifixion. His blood is shown through the spilling of the coconut’s milk.

“The coconut is something traditionally done at auspicious events with Hindu followers of Jesus, I’m a follower of Jesus,” said Mike List, CMU alumni and Mount Pleasant resident.

Afterward, Shanthakumar Palaniswami, ISA adviser and management professor, reflected on how 24 years ago there were only a few members and now, the group has grown.

“We’ve been doing this for many years, I think international students being part of CMU bring many cultures, languages and religions that can be appreciated and shared by all,” he said.

Palaniswami also gave advice to the audience, reminding them they are always an ambassador from their country.

“What you do and how well you project your culture is very important,” he said.

Throughout the show, there were skits acted out by the ISA members that essentially told a story about how difficult it can be at first for some Indian students to learn about American culture, such as adapting social skills in a classroom and learning how to use Facebook.

ISA president and India senior Vinaya Adusumilli said Indian people are not as different as they may seem.

“I hope people may be very patient and they understand how Indians get adjusted into American life,” she said.

A fashion show and several dance numbers took place with colorful saris, traditional cotton or silk female India outer garment, that ranged in deep golds, blues and pinks.

During the fashion show, 21 models wore outfits that varied from casual dress to an upscale celebration.

India graduate student Venubabu Nallamothu said he loved the fashion show and felt that he was home.

“It was very good, I would like people to know about our traditions within each other,“ he said.

At the end of the show, more dance numbers were performed from international student groups and Indian students and the Indian national anthem was played on a projector for students.

Adusumilli was excited for the show.

“It feels great when people are coming and saying ‘the show was good.’ I feel the effort was worth it,” she said. “This was a great experience and I hope this celebration goes on because it is very powerful.”

E-mail the author: Sherri Keaton