Diwali celebrations at the Cowboys Stadium attract large crowds

Written by Shambhu Sharan, The Shorthon staff   

Monday, 05 October 2009 07:21 PM

Local Children perform a traditional Indian dance Sunday on the stage at Parking Lot 10 of the Cowboys Stadium during Diwali, the Indian festival of light. The festival was held for the first time at the stadium featuring events such as elephant rides, traditional Indian music and a closing fireworks show. (The Shorthorn: Shambhu Sharan)

The weather may have been cloudy and chilly, but the Diwali celebrations went on as scheduled at the Cowboys Stadium this weekend.

Elephant and camel rides, traditional dances, Kailash Kher’s Bollywood music, a fashion show and an Indian food court topped the list of attractions.

Satish Gupta, DFW Indian Cultural Society chair, said the Diwali event was the largest outside of India.

“It was my pleasure to organize the event,” Gupta said. “Local talent worked very hard.”

The event’s volunteer coordinator, Rajan Aggarwal, said the university’s Hindu Students Council volunteers played a major role in the event. A total of 125 UTA students volunteered.

“Students were very dedicated, worked continuously from the start to the end of the event,” Aggarwal said. “I wish them good wishes and
success in their lives. Hope to see them next year,” he said.

Physics graduate student Karthik Shastry transported the elderly, disabled and children from the parking lots.

“I was happy to see people of different backgrounds,” Shastry said. “I was tired but it was fulfilling.”