Department faculty, staff, students, and children gathered on Thursday, October 23, 2025 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Diwali illuminations on the Syracuse University campus. Organized by Professor Romita Ray in collaboration with students in her annual Fall course and the art and architecture of India, the event saw nearly 300 attendees turn out in drippy weather to enjoy beautiful rangoli designs made by the talented students of the Syracuse University Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), partake of delicious samosas, vadas, and sweets, and shake a leg to Bollywood music.

Celebrated across the Indian subcontinent, Diwali marks the triumph of wisdom over ignorance. As 3000 lights twinkled into the late evening in the Orange Grove in front of Bowne Hall, we were reminded of the generosity of spirit that makes this event so special. Diwali 2025 was co-sponsored by the School of Architecture, Hendricks Chapel, South Asia Center, and the Department of Art and Music Histories. A special shout-out to the Syracuse University Art Museum for their help, and to Dakshin in Armory Square for catering the mouth-watering savory snacks.