Exeter celebrates Diwali with festival and fireworks

The event, organised by the University of Exeter, Student’s Guild and Exeter Asian Society begins at 3pm and will culminate in a firework display outside the University’s XFI Building at 6.30pm.

Visitors to the event, which is free and open to all, will be able to take part in a range of cultural arts, dance and musical activities as well as enjoying traditional Indian food and drink.

Professor Neil Armstrong, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter who is responsible for Internationalisation said: “Last year’s inaugural Diwali celebrations were a huge success and the Asian Society has promised us an even more spectacular event this year. I am really looking forward to seeing how Diwali is celebrated this year and hope that local people will come and join the celebrations.”

Prior to the major festivities on Saturday, there will be time for worship with the University’s Hindu Chaplain, Ravi Nathwani.  All are welcome to the New Year’s prayers, known as Annakot Darshan, on Thursday 27 October, between 12 midday and 2pm in the Amory Building room. There will an offering of a mountain of food to celebrate New Year, known as Gowardhan Puja, just after the prayers. On Friday 28 October, Jay Lakhani, Director of the Hindu Academy at the Vivekananda Centre London, will be giving the talk on Hinduism. The open lecture will be in the same room as the prayers and starts at 5pm.

Sue Lawrie, the University’s International Student Support Officer said: “The Asian Society has gone from strength to strength and is pulling out all the stops this year. This is a fantastic opportunity for students, staff and local residents to try, do, listen, eat and wear something Indian at a welcoming and lively event.”

Further details about the event can be found at: www.exeter.ac.uk/diwali