Indian culture displayed

The Religious Studies Students Association at Cal State Long Beach hosted The Festival of India April 6, where there were exhibits, literature, and food generated from the Vedic culture of India.

The exhibit was designed to show what and how the Hare Krishna religion is up to, as well as the history, culture, and belief system of ancient India, according to Jagai Nitai Dasa, one of the participants in the event.

Prior to the visit at CSULB, the festival also has stopped by at other Southland college campuses, including UCLA, USC, and Cal State Northridge, he said.

About six tents were put up in the central quad of the school. In the tents, students could look at literature that included speaking out about karma and reincarnation of the body and why people should become vegetarians and stay away from meat.

In the vegetarian tent, there were profiles and quotes on some famous people that believed in becoming vegetarians, including Benjamin Franklin, activist Mahatma Gandhi, and rock star George Harrison.

"The Vedic culture is an edian (spiritually advanced) culture. That philosophy originated in India and that specifically is for those who want to get out of the clutches and material existence.

Vegetarianism is a very major part of that philosophy," Vyapi Das, another participant in the festival, said. One of the reasons Hare Krishna's practice vegetarianism is because they oppose killing animals, as part of the non-violent society they want to work toward Das said.

Other tents included art and instruments that are used in the Vedic culture today, as well as portraits and captions that explained how the world of India had evolved, from its past to its present.

Literature and Indian food were given to students with and the Hare Krishna asked for donations. There was also a tent where ancient Indian music would be performed as well.

"What were doing is giving the philosophy and were touching on different points that people have interest in," Das said.

Ron Dubay, CSULB religious studies coordinator, said that the event did not cost CSULB anything and that the event was paid for by the Hare Krishna's themselves.

"These people are really great," Dubay said. "They came and put on the whole event themselves. All they really need is a sponsor, and they ask for donations for food, but essentially everything is free. They always put on a good show here."