Cal Poly Pomona celebrates diversity with Hindu food festival

Nation's Restaurant News, Dec 13, 2004

POMONA, CALIF. -- The dining services department at California State Polytechnic University here recently celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, in recognition of the growing cultural diversity on the 18,000-student campus.

Los Olivos Dining Commons was transformed for the luncheon with Indian banners featuring rangoli designs and an altar depicting the manner in which a Hindu home would offer fruits and sweets to the gods and goddesses. Dancers and henna artists from the university's Indian Student Association also performed.

The buffet offered an array of authentic Indian cuisine, including saag aloo, naan with panir, tandoori chicken skewers and lamb vindaloo.

"The event gave us all an opportunity to learn about another culture and participate in the meaningful celebration of new beginnings that is Diwali," said Annette Pettit, assistant director for board operations at the university.