PUC Celebrates Ramadan

Thursday, September 25th, 2008 - 1:37 pm

PUC Celebrates Ramadan

On the evening of September 24, 2008, the International Programs Office hosted a unique celebration of Muslim culture. Coinciding with the month-long observance of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan, PUC students were invited to partake in a one-day fast followed by a dinner banquet.

Dr. Kathleen Tobin gave the opening remarks at the event and discussed her own introduction to the concept of Ramadan. Tobin narrated how helping-out her daughter with a school project about the holiday led to her own interests in Muslim culture.

The significance of fasting in Islamic religion was the highlight of the short speech given by Ahmad Khalefa, the keynote speaker at the celebration. Fasting, according to Khalefa, is an act that signifies obedience to the creator. It requires Muslims to abstain from drinking, eating and prohibits improper thoughts. In Northwest Indiana, fasting often takes place from 5 a.m. to about 7 p.m. At the end of each day, the fast is broken.

The dinner menu for the evening, which was provided by two local Middle Eastern restaurants, was a delectable assortment of popular Arabic dishes which included Hummus, Falafel, and Koubeh. The main entrée, Ouzi, was a platter of spiced rice topped with roasted lamb and chicken meat. Adding the perfect touch to the festive meal, a traditional dessert called Kunafa was served along with Saudi Arabian coffee. 

The Ramadan dinner was a very well attended and highly praised event. Everyone went home a little heavy on Arabic culture, not to mention Arabic food.

Written By Ivan Guerrero, International Programs Mentor

Posted in General News |

India Fest 2008

Monday, September 8th, 2008 - 4:27 pm

On September 7, 2008, the International Programs Office took a group to the India Fest in Merrillville, IN. The fest took place at the Indian Cultural Center of NWIHRC and was largely sponsored by local businesses. Located at the fest were many food booths, which were run by Indian restaurants from the area. In addition, there were professional booths for the sponsors and others. Authentic Indian activities included in the festival were Henna painting, ethnic dancing, and even a saree demonstration in which one of our students participated. She was dressed in a traditional saree and was allowed to keep it after the event. Overall, the event was a  success and there were many activities to keep everyone entertained.

Posted in General News |