The Surbeck Ballroom overflowed as onlookers watched the dancing and other festivities at a Diwali celebration presented by the India Club at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology on Saturday night.

The major Hindu holiday marks the victory of the good over evil, according to an informational presentation given by the club during the event. In legend, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, his kingdom, after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Lamps were lit along his path home, and the tradition of lighting lamps in celebration of his victory continues to this day. The meaning of the celebration varies among the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain faiths.

The India Club kept with tradition and placed candles throughout the ballroom. An intricate, hand-made floral sand design graced the floor, and candles were placed upon each flower.

The festivities included diverse dancing including traditional and hip-hop styles. One highlight of the evening was poi spinning by Ramith Jinka, a student and a member of the school's India Club. Poi spinning involves twirling ropes with lighted balls strung on the ends, making bright patterns in a dark room.

"The poi spinning was my favorite part," said Danielle Honerkamp, 7, of Piedmont, who was there with her family.

Other aspects of the event included a presentation of India's important monuments, a fashion show highlighting different clothing styles from each part of India and a sampling of Indian food, including lemon rice and vegetable curry.

"We have a great time every year," said Kevin Fannin, staff member for the local International Students Inc., a nonprofit campus ministries group. "They always spend a lot of time practicing and cooking for this event."

Youngsters Karthik and Uma Krishnan flexed their violin-playing talents and played the national anthems of the United States and India for the audience.

The performances wrapped up with members of the India Club dancing together onstage clad in orange, white and green shirts, the colors of the Indian flag.

A 10-minute fireworks show in the parking lot outside proved to be a fitting finale for the celebration of lights. Cars slowed and stopped along Main Street to enjoy the display.

The Diwali festival is an annual event for the India Club and will be celebrated again next year.