Celebrate Diwali at the University of Exeter with spectacular fireworks, food and dancing

Everyone is invited to celebrate Diwali at the University of Exeter with spectacular dancing, fireworks and food.

Students have organised a festive extravaganza to mark the Hindu festival of light at the university’s Streatham campus on Sunday 19 November.

Students will run stalls with exciting activities on offer for people of all ages. This includes decorating a Diya lamp, making Diwali badges and cards, dressing up in traditional clothing and henna tattoos. There will also be traditional storytelling sessions and delicious vegetarian food available to purchase.

Students will put on performances of traditional and modern dances and music. The event will end with a firework display outside the XFI building on campus at 6:30pm.

The event begins with a prayer – a Puja – led by the University of Exeter’s Hindu Chaplain in the Forum building at 2:30pm.

Food stalls will be operating in the Terrace, near the Great Hall and dance performances will take place in the Alumni Auditorium in the Forum building.

Ananya Gupta, President of the Hindu Society, said: “Diwali is a Hindu Festival which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is an exciting time for us as we welcome the Goddess Laxmi into our lives and spend time with our loved ones. Spread the joy of Diwali and come attend our event on the 19th of November – the Forum will be decorated in lights and colours, a perfect setting to end the year and welcome winter!”

Asees Majithia, President of the Indian Society, said: “Diwali is a festival that represents the power of community. No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone loves celebrating the Festival of Lights. We hope to foster an environment of inclusion through our celebrations and establish that Diwali is a festival for everyone! Come join us in the Forum on the 19th of November!” 

Sahib Nihal Singh, President of the Asian Society, said: “The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “Dipavali,” translated in English to “row of lights. Diwali can be understood commonly as the victory of light over darkness. It is a religious festival and is also called the festival of lights as many people burst firecrackers to celebrate it. We would love for people to join us as we celebrate the festival of lights with decorations and cultural food. There will be lights and different food stalls, joy will be in the air, and it will be the perfect way to celebrate Diwali this year, We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Diwali is always one of the highlights of the year for our community and we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the celebrations. I’d like to thank all those students who have organised what promises to be a very special event.”

More information can be found at https://www.exeter.ac.uk /diwali/.