Lights, Style, and Culture: Celebrating Diversity at Furman

Furman University is full of fun and exciting events that bring people together to celebrate culture and community. Two events that stood out to me this year were the Fashion Show organized by the International Student Association and the Diwali celebration hosted by the Asia Club. Both events gave me the opportunity to share my culture while enjoying the traditions of others.

Fashion Show

 

The Fashion Show was one of the most memorable events I’ve been a part of. I represented Nepal by wearing a Daura Surwal, our traditional national attire. It felt amazing to walk the stage and showcase a piece of my heritage to an audience filled with students, faculty, and friends. The Daura Surwal is a symbol of Nepali culture, and wearing it in front of such a diverse crowd made me feel proud of my roots. The event featured students from different parts of the world, each dressed in traditional outfits from their cultures.

The stage came alive with vibrant saris, elegant kimonos, colorful African prints, and more. What made the experience even more special was the narration during the show. Each outfit’s story and cultural significance were shared, allowing the audience to learn something new with every walk.

In addition to the fashionshow, there were performances that celebrated different cultures. Students sang songs and danced to traditional music, bringing even more energy and excitement to the event. Being surrounded by such diversity made me realize how special Furman is, as it provides a platform for people to share their traditions while appreciating others’.

Diwali Celebration

 

The Diwali celebration hosted by the Asia Club was equally incredible. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a time to celebrate light, joy, and togetherness. The event’s decorations were stunning. The room was filled with sparkling lights, colorful rangoli art, and rows of traditional diyas (oil lamps). It felt as if we had stepped into a true Diwali celebration in India. The night started with delicious food. We were served Indian dishes like samosas, butter chicken, and red chicken. The food brought everyone together as we sat and enjoyed the flavors of the celebration.

The highlight of the evening for me was performing on stage. I danced to Bollywood songs, which was both nerve-wracking and exciting. Practicing with my friends beforehand and then performing in front of the crowd was such a fun experience. Hearing the cheers and applause made all the effort worthwhile. There were also interactive activities, like painting diyas and trying henna art. These activities helped everyone feel involved and added to the festive atmosphere. Even people who weren’t familiar with Diwali got to experience its joy and meaning.

Both the Fashion Show and the Diwali celebration were unforgettable. These events allowed me to proudly share my culture while learning about others. They reminded me of the importance of celebrating diversity and coming together as a community. Furman’s events create a sense of belonging, making the campus a vibrant and welcoming place. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!