Diwali

Indian communities around the world celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Light, which began on Saturday October 21st 2006.
The festival is the most popular of all the Indian festivals, which is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

India celebrates Diwali (or Deepavali) for five days in the Hindu month of Ashwina. The festival gets its name from the rows of lamps that decorate houses and streets. These lamps symbolise life, knowledge, and the victory of good over evil.

Other traditions of the festival vary according to region and religious belief. Families gather to celebrate with fireworks, gift giving, sharing food and sweets, visiting local fairs and making offerings to the gods. Diwali is also celebrated in many other countries around the world.

A recent article from the Times of India summed up the contemporary meaning of the Diwali as:
“Regardless of the mythological explanation one prefers, what the Festival of Lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple – and some not so simple – joys of life.”

CQU celebrated the Diwali festival in style at the Sydney International Postgraduate Campus on Friday 20th October.

Using authentic Indian decorations the CQU foyer and numerous other locations throughout the university were transformed into a cultural delight for all students and staff to enjoy.

Client Services dressed up for the event in traditional Indian saris which the students appreciated and commented on. One student even went so far as to say that we looked better than our normal ‘Aussie’ professional clothing!

In addition to the beautiful decorations, students were also treated to 400 sweets and desserts provided by Jaipur Sweets Catering.

For more Diwali photos click here