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Last year's student performance taken by Paula Banu
Celebrate Diwali at the University of Exeter with food and activity stalls, performances and fireworks
Students from the Hindu, Asian and Indian Societies at the University of Exeter are welcoming fellow students, families and local residents and communities to celebrate Diwali at the University’s Streatham Campus on Sunday 23rd October.
The Festival of Light celebrations starts with a Puja at 2.30pm, led by a Hindu Chaplain in the Forum building. Attendees can then enjoy food and activity stalls before performances begin at 5.30pm in the Great Hall.
The parade to the fireworks will start at 6.30pm, and fireworks will begin at 6.45pm outside the XFI building. Fireworks are weather dependent but will only be cancelled in event of high winds and very heavy rain. Cancellation of fireworks will be posted on the event page and on University social media if necessary.
Students will host activities including painting Diya clay oil lamps, badge making and Rangoli cards and dance workshops with the opportunity for attendees to try on traditional dress. There will also be henna painting and story time for children. The stalls have been organised by the Hindu, Asian and Indian student societies.
Ananya Gupta, Hindu Society's Events Coordinator said: “From designing the posters to organising the Diwali Celebrations, I am ecstatic to see that the atmosphere of Diwali is back and bigger than in previous years.”
There will be dance performances from students and delicious Indian food available to purchase kindly supplied by Namaste, a local authentic South Indian restaurant. The dance performances have been choreographed by University of Exeter students, Simran and Aashna and will be performed by students and the committee of the three societies.
Abhinav Lodeechand, Hindu Society President said: “Diwali is my favourite festival. I can’t wait to celebrate this auspicious day and share my culture and traditions with my friends.”
Professor Lisa Roberts Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: Last year’s event was a huge success so I am incredibly excited that we will be celebrating again in a couple of weeks’ time. The University’s Diwali celebrations are one of the highlights of the year for everyone in the University community and in the City of Exeter. Our students have really done a fantastic job organising the event, and I am looking forward to seeing you all at the celebrations.”
Some activities may incur a small charge, so we advise you to bring cash for food and activities.
Car parking is free on the Streatham Campus on weekends. As activities are based around the centre of campus, we would recommend using car parks C and D.
To find out more about the event visit: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/international/livingintheuk/getinvolved/diwali/
This event is supported by the University of Exeter, Community Fund and Culture and Inclusion.
Date: 14 October 2022