With the onset of Diwali season, several Sharda students have started preparations for a homebound journey. And, those who are left behind are not disappointed or upset, but are gearing up to enjoy the festival fervently; fun, food and entertainment is on the cards, too. The students are also planning to combine the spirit of Diwali and the ‘Joy of Cultural Sharing’ by celebrating the festival with their national and international friends at the campus. Following the tradition, this year, Sharda University is also planning to celebrate the glorious festival by lighting lamps and indulging in fireworks. The celebrations will begin after a puja ceremony.
For all those international students who have heard about Diwali, but never seen it, here is the reason why Indians celebrate Diwali- Aptly named as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after slaying the evil Ravana. It is a traditional festival that signifies the promotion of cultural harmony and peace in India.
It is not just the Indian students who rejoice on one of India’s biggest festivals, Diwali, but also the foreign students who, having heard a lot about it, look forward to it expectantly. “I was always curious to know about India and its culture before coming here. Now, I feel excited and look forward to celebrating Diwali with my new friends at the campus,” said Sheriff Jallow from Zambia, a management student.
Madhavi Thapa, a native of Nepal and a 2nd year management student, said she really admires the cultural integrity of India. She also mentioned that this year she will be celebrating Diwali with her friends at the hostel.
Another engineer student Ankit Raj, expressed his fondness for crackers. He added that he had heard a lot about the weather and food of Delhi and, being ‘a big foodie’, he will look forward to eating local food available here.
Some students who are already involved in social activities besides their hectic study schedules and workloads of projects are planning to bring a smile on some faces. For all those who would like to get involved in social obligations here are some ideas:
- You can visit orphanages and old age homes and celebrate Diwali with them. You can also buy small children crackers and watch fireworks with them.
- You can also distribute food items, old clothes, winter belongings which are not in use to those residing on the streets and celebrate diwali with them.
- You can also plan get togethers with your relatives nearby or reunions with your friends in the city.
- Those who are close to animals can look out for stray animals who are scared by the loud bangs of crackers and take them to a quieter place.
- Those who are environment friendly can put a full stop to the use of crackers and plant more saplings to maintain the ecological balance.
- Others can also arrange for roads to be cleaned because of the leftovers after Diwali.
