Diwali dinner hosted at Geneseo
Photo courtesy of Syed Zahoor Raza
Members of the executive board worked hard to put together their annual Diwali dinner, and were able to reap the benefits of their hard work on Friday.
On the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, SUNY Geneseo’s South Asian club, Shakti, hosted its annual Diwali dinner in the MacVittie College Union Ballroom. Open to students, faculty, and the public, the event saw a diverse turnout of 125 attendees. From authentic South Asian dishes to mesmerizing performances and colorful decor, all elements combined for a joyous celebration.
The evening was warmly hosted by the club's Student Association Representative Aviva Daniel, who welcomed guests and introduced Shakti and its executive board members. She explained that “Shakti” is a Sanskrit word meaning “power” or “strength” and that the club aims to represent the people of South Asia and share their rich culture with the SUNY Geneseo community. With her introduction, Aviva also warmly invited attendees to join the club’s weekly general meetings, saying they would always be welcome in Shakti’s community.
Following the introductions, President Avantika Jillella and Vice President Saphala Khanal took the stage to elucidate the significance of Diwali (also known as Deepavali or Deepawali). They delved into the rich history and traditions associated with the festival, emphasizing its symbolism of hope, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.
After the presentation, the participants were treated to a delicious dinner showcasing South Asia's rich culinary traditions. The menu included mouthwatering dishes such as creamy butter chicken, biryani, palak paneer, daal makhani, and crispy aloo samosas, all served alongside naan, rice, and gulab jamun.
The dinner was followed by a dance performance from Shakti’s executive board, which brought an energetic, joyful spirit to the ballroom. The club members performed enthusiastically, captivating the audience and embodying the vibrant spirit of Diwali. As the performances wrapped up, the attendees were offered seconds—an extra serving of food that encouraged everyone to enjoy the delicious offerings once more.
Following this, Gajida Bhangra, a student dance organization, took the stage to perform Bhangra, a folk dance from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The evening drew to a close with heartfelt acknowledgments. President Avantika Jillella expressed gratitude to Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) and the Alliance for Community Enrichment (ACE) for their support in organizing the event and to all the guests who attended.
A special moment was dedicated to graduating senior Jasmine Mathohan, who was presented with a bouquet in recognition of her service to Shakti. “I would like to give a special thank you to Jasmine, our senior graduating this semester. She has been a part of Shakti for all 4 years of her college career, and she has taught this club so many dances,” said Avantika. The club president continued, adding, “She’s extremely talented, and we are going to miss her a lot. She is hardworking and dedicated, and we wouldn’t have such fun dances for you all without her. Thank you so much for everything you have done for Shakti.”
By organizing such events, Shakti continues to enrich the cultural landscape of SUNY Geneseo and inspire a deeper appreciation for South Asian heritage. To stay in the loop on their events, you can head over to Instagram and follow @shaktigeneseo, and keep an eye out for any upcoming events on the Geneseo events calendar.