IndiansInKorea will hold an event next month to mark the Indian festival of Diwali.



The Diwali Dhamaka will run at the Suwon campus of Sungkyunkwan University as part of IIK’s annual celebrations.



Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest holiday in India, and it is celebrated by many of the country’s faiths. It falls on Nov. 11 this year.



The “Wedding Fiesta” performance from last year’s IndiansInKorea Diwali celebrations. IIK



The Dhamaka from the event’s name translates literally as “bang,” according to IIK president Dwarkaprasad Dayama.



“In India, ‘Dhamaka’ is used to express a bigger impact for an event or sale offer,” he said.



“In India, Diwali celebrations involve firecrackers. Dhamaka is the sound of a firecracker called ‘Sutli Bomb.’”



The organizers this year have also organized a mela, or fair, with food stalls selling specialties from different parts of India, games and promotional stalls run by commercial vendors and sponsors. There will be a general outdoor stage with games and activities as well.



Indoor activities for the event will start at 11:45 a.m., with the outdoor portion of the event opening at 2 p.m.



Admission is 10,000 won ($8.80) for adults, 7,000 won for children aged 5-12 and free for kids under 5. Registration for the event closes Sunday. To sign up, visit www.indiansinkorea.com and click the Diwali 2015 tab at the top.



Separately, the Indian Students Association of Korea will hold a “Diwali Blast” at Seoul National University on Sunday.



The event will include dance and drama performances, a talent show and games, as well as Hindu observances.



A vegetarian Indian buffet will be provided. Attendance is 10,000 won, but free for kids under 10. To register, visit the “Diwali Blast 2015 @ SNU” Facebook page.



By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)