Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts paired up local artist Preetika Rajgariah with student groups Rice South Asian Society, Rice Bhangra and Rice Riyaaz to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Staged Nov. 17 in front of Rajgariah’s mural installed on the provisional campus facilities as part of the Moody’s “Tent Series,” the event offered guests diya painting, henna stations, sparklers, food, and music from DJ Sareen Patel.
Each student group performed a dance in front of the mural titled “Your Potential Self is Infinite”—the ideal backdrop as the ceremony symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The event was coordinated by the Moody’s assistant curator, Molly Everett, as a part of the organization’s ongoing effort to connect Rice students to local artists through cultural and creative engagement.
