On Thursday, Oct. 28, Robert Morris University celebrated the Indian holiday, Diwali, for the first time in university history.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the idea that good always wins over evil.

In the Indian culture, this idea is represented by a story that follows Lord Rama, his wife, and brother, who were all exiled for 14 years. When they returned home, their home village held a welcome home celebration that was later known as Diwali.

Sharvani, a senior cyber security student at Robert Morris University, explained how the holiday is traditionally celebrated in India.

“Back in India, we light all of our houses with lamps. So, we basically wake up early in the morning pray to God. We pray to the Goddess Lakshmi. She’s the Goddess of wealth. Then we pray to the other Gods,” said Sharvani.

The traditional holiday was celebrated by Robert Morris University students and staff in Hopwood Hall. The celebration was open for anyone to attend, and SET credit was also awarded to students who came.

Before the program started, attendees were able to get henna tattoos and color traditional Indian designs.

During the ceremony, Indian students performed a few traditional Indian dances for the audience.

The ceremony included a very special announcement for the Indian student population. Robert Morris University is officially enstating an Indian Student Club on campus.