This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Kaitlin Potter

A traditional Diwali includes a puja and an arathi, a mouthwatering portion of Indian cuisine and lights, lots of lights.

But at GW, celebrators added the GW Pitches. for a not-so-traditional Diwali.

Satyam, a Hindu awareness organization, celebrated Diwali by hosting Diwali Dreams, last week. Known as the Festival of Light, Diwali can be a visually stunning celebration, incorporating firecrackers and flame lit lamps. Campus restrictions limit open flames so tiny battery-operated tea lights were used to illuminate the Marvin Center.

Junior Vidya Iyer, co-president of Satyam, said the group strives to promote Hindu culture and religion to students. Rahul Sabhnani, another co-president, said Satyam and events like Diwali Dreams can help students learn about Hinduism.

“[Satyam] has helped me learn more about my culture and my religion,” said co-president Rahul Sabhnani, a junior. “I learn more by going to these events and every year I learn something new.”

In hopes of reaching out to the wider  community, this year’s Diwali event featured a performance by the GW Pitches. Organizers of the event estimated that the turnout was double what it was last year.

“We heard that there would be food,” sophomore Emily Johanson said. “I’ve learned a lot so far and I am really glad that I came.”