Recently Graduate and Family Housing celebrated one of the five days of Diwali, the Hindu celebration of light. Residents gathered in the 10th and Home activity room to celebrate, learn, and enjoy the community. Some residents arrived early in the day to help set up the program, doing everything from creating beautiful Rangoli decorations to cooking or setting up tables. After receiving permission from the Georgia Tech Fire Marshal, luminaries were set up in the 10th and Home courtyard to light up the night in the traditional Diwali fashion.

The rangoli art was created with chalk along the sidewalks and entrance ways into the activity room. We see student organizations "chalking" all of Tech, but this chalking was different. "I found the rangoli art to be so beautiful. I learned that it is an ancient folk art in India and is often created for celebrations and festivals, and is always colorful," commented Hall Director Shannon Hobbs.

Residents were also encouraged to dress traditionally for the festival, with many residents choosing to arrive in beautiful vibrant colors which reflect the nature of the festival. After walking through the lit courtyard, residents came inside to savor traditional Indian foods. After a presentation on the history and nature of Diwali, attendees danced the night away to Bollywood music provided by various residents.

Creating the beautiful rangoli decoration was done by one of many volunteers.

The finished work was colorful and festive.

Families enjoyed themselves and celebrating with new friends.