The Oakland Center’s Habitat was illuminated with LED candles, bhajan music and the joyous dancing orchestrated by the Music Meditation club at OU to celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali.
On Nov. 7, the new meditation student organization put on one of their first events of the semester, offering an immersive opportunity for all OU community members to experience the festival of lights, a traditional Indian occasion celebrated for millennia.
“It is a festival of hope, renewal and devotion, inspiring us to let go of ignorance and ego and to open our hearts in love and gratitude to the Divine,” Diti Patel, Music Mediation club secretary, said. “Through the light of Bhakti, Diwali teaches us that true illumination comes not from the lamps we light outside, but from the awakening of love and devotion within.”
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, has its roots in Hindu history, Patel explained. Its religious origins have transcended time and place with the celebration now hosted by many yoga practitioners, devout Hindus and the Indian diaspora across the world.
“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the joyous return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after His victory over Ravana, marking the triumph of light over darkness and love over hatred,” Patel said. “The people of Ayodhya lit countless lamps to welcome the Lord back into their hearts and homes — a timeless reminder that the real celebration of Diwali begins within.”
Almost five hours of music, chanting, dancing and devotion were accompanied by different cultural performances, henna tattoos and a dinner to highlight the tradition of Bhakti Yoga.
“Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of devotion – connecting with the Divine through love, service and music,” Divya Agrawala, Music Mediation club vice president, said. “My favorite aspect is kirtan or singing devotional songs together. It creates such a positive and uplifting energy.”
The student organization hosting the event started earlier in 2025 to support students who were looking to foster well-being through alternative means like meditation and mantras.
“Music Meditation was started with the idea dedicated to helping students find peace, purpose and balance through the practice of Bhakti Yoga,” Agrawala said. “Our mission is to promote inner well-being through mantra meditation, musical meditation, kirtan and thoughtful discussions on timeless Vedic wisdom.”
The event was also the perfect occasion for various cultural performances, like a small drama play titled “Me and the Mind,” a sparkler lighting ceremony and music performance with instruments rarely seen at the OC, like mridangam and harmonium.
“Our goal is to help students find balance and joy through music and mindful practices,” Agrawala said. “We want to make spirituality accessible and relatable – something that helps people reconnect with themselves amidst busy college life. We aim to create a welcoming space where students can connect, de-stress and explore higher knowledge in a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.”
Collaborators beyond the university attended the gathering to play music, direct chants and share stories about the cultural significance of the festival in the metro Detroit area.
“The ISKCON Temple in Farmington Hills and ISKCON Temple in Detroit often host community Diwali events and cultural gatherings,” Agrawala said. “They’re great spaces to connect with others and learn more about Indian traditions.”
As the night concluded, the music mediation executive board shared intentions to host kirtan, devotional chanting ceremonies, weekly in preparation for the Holi celebration in March. You can follow the organization on Instagram at @music_meditation_ou.
