By The Keystone Newspaper The Multicultural Center set up tables in the Starbucks at the McFarland Student Union to welcome the holidays
By Amelia Lewin
As Jason’s Lawn closes and Rocky Horror viewers filter out of Schaeffer Auditorium, Halloween comes to a close. However, before students can dive into the chaos of Thanksgiving and winter holidays, KU celebrates Diwali and Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Diwali this year started on Thursday, Oct. 31 and lasts for five days, though preparations began on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Office Manager of the Multicultural Center Angelica Mishara explains, “Diwali is the Festival of Lights commonly celebrated in South Asia, but it’s also celebrated all around the world by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.” Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil in the cultures that celebrate it.
Photo Credit: Amelia Lewin
Some figures revered during the celebrations are Lord Krishna in southern India, Lord Rama and his family in the north as well as the Goddess Lakshmi. Jains honor Lord Mahavira, Sikhs honor Guru Hargobind, and Buddhists celebrate Hindu Emperor Ashoka.
Photo Credit: Amelia Lewin
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is celebrated this year on Friday, Nov. The Day of the Dead honors deceased relatives. This holiday is celebrated not only in Hispanic and Latin countries such as El Salvador, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico, but also Haiti and Romania, as well as by those of Hispanic and Latino heritage living around the world, including the United States.
The holiday is celebrated by making ofrendas, which are altars filled with gifts for visiting ancestors, visiting places of burial, eating and making traditional food, and dressing up with costumes and face paint to celebrate the festivities.
Photo Credit: Amelia Lewin
Additionally, there is a day specifically for deceased pets to visit their living humans, which occurred on Sunday, Oct 27.
If you have any questions about the holidays, feel free to visit the Multicultural Center.
You can visit these websites as well for additional information on Diwali and Día de los Muertos.