For Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, celebrants wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth (by some people), light fireworks, and participate in family feasts, where sweets and gifts are shared.

Members of the Suchona Community, Dr. Shuvendu Das and some of his Indian friends will lead this program in a miniature form for UUS members and friends. They organize different South Asian cultural programs in this corridor. Dr. Das has been living in Iowa City/Coralville area since 2003. Dr. Das works at The University of Iowa as a Research Scientist. He is also an adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry.