Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center

In collaboration with the Otter Cross Cultural Center and the student organization South Asian Association (SAA), Diwali and Holi are celebrated annually as opportunities to honor culture, community and shared traditions.

Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is rooted in Hindu traditions and celebrated by millions of people across South Asia and the global diaspora. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras and continues through Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own meaning — from honoring prosperity and renewal to celebrating family and sibling bonds.

At its heart, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Celebrations vary across regions, cultures and faith traditions. In India, families light oil lamps (diyas), create colorful rangoli designs, exchange sweets and gifts, and gather with loved ones. In Nepal, the festival is celebrated as Tihar. In Jain communities, Diwali marks Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana.

Across traditions, the spirit of Diwali remains centered on hope, joy, reflection and togetherness — bringing communities together in celebration and light.

2026 Event Details

To be announced during fall semester.

Each October, campus and community partners come together to celebrate and honor the Filipino community — creating space to gather, share stories and uplift culture.

Filipino American Hxstory Month is a time to recognize the generations who paved the way and to reflect on the ongoing contributions of Filipinos in the United States. Through performances, storytelling and community-centered events, we connect cultural traditions with present-day experiences.

This annual showcase highlights the richness of Filipino identities while honoring a history rooted in resilience, leadership and creativity. It reminds us that history is not only something we remember — it is something we carry forward.

Where Filipino history meets today’s voices, community continues to grow.

2026 Event Details

To be announced during fall semester.

Celebrate joy, renewal and community at Holi: Festival of Colors.

Holi is a vibrant South Asian festival that marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Known for its bright powders, music and dancing, Holi brings people together in a spirit of play, unity and new beginnings.

During this campus celebration, students, faculty, staff and community members gather to share in cultural traditions — tossing colorful powder, enjoying music and connecting across communities. Holi is both a celebration and an invitation: to build friendships, honor culture and welcome the season with energy and optimism.

Rooted in Hindu traditions, Holi carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Today, it is celebrated around the world as a festival of light, love and belonging.

Fall 2027 Event Details

To be announced.

The Film Screening and Discussion Series brings students, faculty and community members together to explore identity, culture and lived experiences through film.

APIDA student coordinators collaborate with campus and community partners to curate a collection of films that foster social identity-based learning and meaningful dialogue. Each screening is followed by a guided discussion designed to encourage reflection, connection and deeper understanding.

Launched in fall 2025, the inaugural program featured a film about an Afghan family adapting to life under Taliban rule. The screening was followed by a facilitated conversation that invited participants to consider themes of resilience, displacement, community and global responsibility.

Through storytelling and shared dialogue, the series creates space to engage with complex issues, elevate underrepresented voices and strengthen our campus community.

Spring 2027 Event Details

To be announced.

We partner with students, faculty and campus colleagues to host university-wide events that spark dialogue, deepen understanding and strengthen our community.

Each year, the Keynote Speaker Series brings nationally recognized scholars and thought leaders to Cal State Monterey Bay to explore timely topics that shape higher education and society.

2026 Featured Speaker

Dr. Oiyan Poon

Race and Higher Education Scholar

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

This year’s keynote features Dr. Oiyan Poon, an award-winning scholar whose work examines race, affirmative action and the experiences of Asian American communities in higher education.

Drawing from her new book, "Asian American Is Not a Color: Conversations About Race, Affirmative Action, and Family," and her 25 years of leadership in higher education, Dr. Poon will share insights that invite thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation.

This event supports Cal State Monterey Bay’s Strategic Plan priority to cultivate an inclusive and engaged community — fostering belonging, well-being and dialogue across differences.

Register for the event.

Celebrate culture, creativity and community at Cal State Monterey Bay’s APIDA Night Festival.

The APIDA Night Festival brings together students, alumni and local community members for an evening that honors the rich diversity of the APIDA diaspora. Through music, art, food and shared traditions, this event creates space for connection, reflection and joy.

Event Highlights

• Art and makers market featuring student, alumni and local artists

• Farmers market with regional vendors

• Live music and performances showcasing APIDA musicians and performers

• Evening concert celebrating culture and community

2026 Event Details

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Market: Noon to 4 p.m. (Art and Makers Market)
Farmers Market: 2 to 6 p.m.
Concert: 7 to 10 p.m.

Locations

• OSU Ballroom

• Inter-Garrison Plaza

• Farmers Market location TBD

Asian Pacific Islander (API) Week is a student-led celebration of culture, history and community. This annual weeklong series of events is designed and led by student leaders who create space for dialogue, cultural expression and connection.

Since the first APIA club was established in 2011, students have continued to build a vibrant community that honors the diverse experiences of Asian and Pacific Islander communities while fostering belonging and cross-cultural understanding.

What to Expect

Throughout the week, students can participate in:

• Cultural celebrations and performances

• Educational workshops and discussions

• Community-building activities

• Opportunities to connect with campus partners and student organizations

API Week reflects Cal State Monterey Bay’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive and engaged community where students’ identities, stories and leadership are celebrated.

2026 Event Details

March 16-20, 2026

Further details will be announced closer to the event.

The APIDA Affinity Graduation Ceremony celebrates the accomplishments, resilience and achievements of our APIDA graduates and their allies.

This special celebration creates space for graduates to honor their academic journey alongside family, friends, mentors and community members who have supported them along the way. Through cultural recognition and shared reflection, the ceremony uplifts the diverse identities and experiences within the Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American diaspora.

The APIDA Affinity Ceremony is a joyful gathering rooted in community, pride and belonging.

2026 Event Details

Saturday, May 9, 2026
5 p.m.

Location: OSU Ballroom

RSVP opens during spring semester.

• May Kao Xiong (nws/she/her)
  Associate Director

• Sarah
• Alysse (she/they)
• Charisse (she/they)