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Several hundred Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University students and friends attended the annual Diwali celebration at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Student Center Ballroom Sunday evening.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu religious holiday and one of the most popular and important celebrations in Indian culture. The festival, which lasts for five days, celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Harsh Mishra, president of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Indian Association, said about 300 people attended the celebration, which began with a traditional prayer service and featured Indian food, dancing and games, with most guests attending in traditional Indian garb.  

Students from India make up the university's largest international contingent this semester, with 470 graduate and undergraduate students studying at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State, according to Sarah Malcolm, executive director of the Office of Global Education.

The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Indian Association is a cultural organization that promotes Indian culture, celebrates major Indian festivals, organizes sports events and assists Indian students with their careers and academics. The group, one of the largest Indian organizations in or around Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, helps new Indian students understand and adjust to American culture and builds a network for future alumni relations.