The Asian Culture Club’s Celebration of Diwali

Ryleigh Johnson | Nov. 10, 2026

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Lit plastic candles and unlit candle jars for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Unlit Diwali candles for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Marigolds plastered over the wall for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Single Kaju Paan sweet for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Rasgullas in a frozen container for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Student stirring pot for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Students drawing henna art on themselves for the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Pumpkin with lit candles and decorations surrounding it during the Diwali event on Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

Students indulging in the food within the Diwali event, Sunday, November 10th, 2026, in Sutton Lounge Room, North Carolina (Echo/Sophia Strominger)

The Warren Wilson College (WWC) Asian Culture Club (ACC) gathered on Nov. 7, 2026 to celebrate Diwali, also known as “the festival of lights,” with food, storytelling and community.

ACC’s Diwali celebration was held in Sutton Hall, which houses the Engage Living and Learning Community (LLC). Engage is dedicated to providing spaces for students actively involved in advocacy for African, Latiné, Indigenous and Asian descent communities, fostering opportunities for this advocacy and leadership.

Diwali is a religious and cultural holiday observed across South and Southeast Asia that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “deepavali,” which means “row of lights.” The festival spans five days, with different celebratory practices depending on country and religion. Diwali is celebrated within Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Diwali celebrations can include fireworks, the lighting of candles, feasting and prayer. At WWC, there were lots of treats, festive decorations and friends to help commemorate the holiday.