UFV brought together students from all ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm and fervour. This bright and colourful festival of lights not only enchanted students and faculty, but served as a representation of the inclusive campus community. Since India is among the top five home countries of international students attending UFV, Diwali holds great significance.
UFV’s celebration took place in the late hours of Nov. 10 as guests gathered in Evered Hall. Attendees were greeted with beautiful decor, an energetic dance floor, and the aroma of traditional Indian foods in the air. UFV International partnered with the UFV Student Union Society and RBC On Campus to organize the event, which stayed true to the university’s dedication to cultural diversity and harmony. UFV’s guiding principles stress the importance of “recognizing diversity and offering equitable opportunities and inclusion for all community members,” and they succeeded in that department at this event.
The traditional Indian performances, along with the audience’s eye-catching attire were mesmerising. Caterers offered a mouthwatering selection of savoury and sweet Diwali goodies, with options ranging from classic Indian desserts like gulab jamun and Indian beverages such as Chai, to Diwali must-haves like samosas and pakoras. As guests tasted these treats with great appreciation, a spirit of community and respect was fostered.
Moreover, a broad array of stalls with Diwali-themed activities contributed to the festive ambience. Students showcased their creativity at rangoli colouring booths, adding vibrant hues to intricate designs; Diwali word puzzles stimulated minds and created an engaging, lighthearted environment; and volunteers at the henna station expertly created Mehndi designs on the hands of excited participants, bringing a bit of customary craftsmanship to the festivities. One of the most memorable aspects of the occasion was the dazzling photo booth, which featured glittering lights to produce an exquisite setting for students to memorialize their Diwali memories. Asees Rekhia, a global student associate (GSA) at UFV International noted that decorations made by students at the Diwali Arts and Crafts Making event on Nov. 3 were included “to provide a special student touch.”
Diwali holds great significance in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism; and some Buddhists celebrate it as well. The Guardian*’s article, “Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights — in pictures,” states that Diwali celebrates “light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.” UFV’s Diwali festival lets students appreciate the cultural significance of the holiday. “We have opened it up to all students,” said Rekhia. “We would like students to gain and learn a bit about Indian culture, and share their cultures as well.”
Students conveyed their gratitude for the celebration. Kinesiology student Muskan Panchal said, “UFV now truly feels like a home away from home during moments like this. It makes me feel less homesick and I hope to celebrate such events more often.”
Mansha Kalirawna, a student enrolled in the bachelor of Computer Science degree, appreciates that these events bring the community together. “It also allows us to appreciate our differences and celebrate our shared communities with everyone around the university,” said Kalirawna.
Being an international student myself, I was thrilled to be able to attend the celebration. The warmth and reverberating sounds of laughter leave a lasting sense of the strength of community in UFV’s core.
Hello, I’m Gauri Sethi, a passionate staff writer at the Cascade responsible for writing content that resonates with the masses. Currently, I am pursuing business administration, but deep down, I am a person who loves expressing herself through writing.
