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Diwali – How Students Can Prepare and Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated events in South Asia and among diaspora communities around the world. 

For many students, it’s a moment to connect with home, share culture with friends, and brighten the darker evenings with warmth, colour and community. 

Whether you grew up celebrating Diwali or you’re discovering it for the first time, here’s a practical, student-friendly guide to understanding the festival and making the most of it on campus.

What Diwali Means

At its heart, Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The exact significance varies by faith and region. For many Hindus, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after exile, welcomed by rows of lamps. 

Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment and the values of freedom and justice. Jains observe the nirvana (spiritual liberation) of Lord Mahavira. 

Despite these differences, the shared thread is renewal, gratitude and hope. Diwali usually falls between October and November, based on the lunar calendar, and spans several days, with the main night of Diwali at the centre of festivities.

How Diwali Is Typically Celebrated

Tradition begins at home. Families clean and decorate their spaces, believing a tidy, welcoming environment invites prosperity. 

Doorways and floors are adorned with rangoli – vibrant patterns made with coloured powders, flowers or rice. Diyas (small oil lamps) and strings of lights glow in windowsills and corridors, symbolising knowledge and kindness illuminating the world.

Food and fellowship are central. Sweets such as laddoos, barfi and jalebi are exchanged alongside savoury snacks, while meals often lean vegetarian to accommodate guests from various traditions. 

New clothes, small gifts and tokens of appreciation are common. Many people visit temples or gurdwaras, offer prayers, and reflect on the year gone by. In some places fireworks are part of the celebration, though environmental and safety considerations are increasingly encouraging quieter, cleaner alternatives.

Bringing Diwali to Student Life

University life doesn’t always mirror home, but it offers unique ways to celebrate. Student societies – Hindu, Sikh, Jain, South Asian, Bollywood dance or Bhangra groups – often organise Diwali galas, cultural nights and charity drives. 

These events can blend classical and contemporary music and dance, showcase food from different regions, and create a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds to take part. If you’re new to Diwali, attending a campus event is an easy, low-pressure way to learn, meet people and support student organisers.

Preparing on a Student Budget

Start with a quick plan. Decide whether you’ll host a small gathering, join society events, or take a quiet evening for reflection. 

For décor, LED tealights are inexpensive, safe and accommodation-friendly. Paper lanterns, fairy lights and a small reusable rangoli kit go a long way in a hall’s bedroom or shared flat. If open flames are prohibited, use battery-powered lamps to create the same warm glow.

For food, think potluck. Ask friends to bring a favourite dish or sweet, and consider dietary preferences – vegetarian, vegan and nut-free options help everyone feel included. 

If cooking feels ambitious, pick up mithai from a local shop or supermarket; many campuses have community recommendations on student forums. A shared expenses spreadsheet can keep costs fair and transparent.

Celebrating Respectfully and Safely

Each university and accommodation provider has its own rules. Check guidance on candles, decorations and gatherings to avoid accidental damage or fines. 

If fireworks are part of local celebrations, follow the law, prioritise safety, and be mindful of neighbours, pets and students preparing for early starts. 

For many, Diwali falls during a busy academic period, so consider quieter alternatives: a lantern-lit walk, a music playlist and a reflective moment with friends can be just as meaningful as a noisy party.

Inclusive Traditions for Everyone

Diwali’s message speaks to more than one community. If you’re inviting friends who haven’t celebrated before, share the story behind your customs and encourage questions. 

Offer a simple puja (prayer) set-up with a brief explanation, or invite friends to help create a rangoli pattern at your door. Small gestures – sharing sweets, teaching a dance step, explaining why lights matter – turn a private tradition into a campus moment. 

If you’re attending a temple or gurdwara, check dress guidelines, arrive with an open mind, and embrace the spirit of welcome.

Balancing Festivities and Coursework

The week around Diwali can be lively. Protect your energy by planning ahead: note deadlines, prep readings early and carve out time for calls home. 

If you’re travelling, book tickets in advance and share itineraries with flatmates. 

Consider a digital celebration for family abroad – set a time to light lamps together over video, swap recipes and stream a film. The aim is to feel connected without letting stress dim the occasion.

Giving Back: The Heart of the Festival

Diwali is also about generosity. Many societies pair celebrations with charity initiatives – food bank collections, winter coat drives or volunteering sessions. 

If money is tight, donate time: help set up an event, photograph a performance, or teach a short dance workshop. Acts of service embody the values of the festival and build community across campus.

Eco-Conscious and Calm

Students increasingly choose sustainable celebrations. Opt for reusable décor, clay diyas with minimal oil, LED lights with timers, and biodegradable rangoli powders. 

Keep music volume considerate and choose low-smoke incense or none at all if living in shared spaces. The goal is a celebration that is joyful today and responsible for tomorrow.

A Festival of Light, Wherever You Are

You don’t need a large student budget or a big flat to celebrate Diwali well. A tidy room, a handmade rangoli, a few lights, a plate of sweets and good company can transform an ordinary evening. 

Whether you’re leading a society gala, cooking with flatmates or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, Diwali offers students a chance to celebrate resilience, community and hope. 

In the midst of busy timetables and colder nights, it’s a reminder that even a small light can change the atmosphere – and that’s something worth sharing.

How Universities and Students Can Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant celebration that holds deep meaning for millions of people around the world, particularly within Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. 

The festival represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. For students celebrating away from home, Diwali offers a chance to connect with their cultural and religious roots, even in a diverse academic environment.

Universities, as centres of learning and multiculturalism, can play a pivotal role in ensuring that students from these communities feel seen and supported during this special time. 

In this feature, we explore how universities and students can embrace Diwali, offering ways to celebrate it inclusively while fostering cultural understanding across the academic community.

The Meaning of Diwali

Diwali spans five days, with each day having its own religious significance. The central theme, however, remains the same: the triumph of good over evil. 

For Hindus, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile, symbolising the end of darkness and the return of hope. Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, while Jains observe Lord Mahavira‘s attainment of nirvana. 

Even Buddhists, particularly in Nepal, commemorate the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism during this festival.

While Diwali is celebrated in diverse ways, common traditions include lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with rangoli (intricate patterns made from coloured powders or flowers), sharing festive meals, and gathering with loved ones for prayers. 

Furthermore, fireworks are often set off to symbolise the joy of the occasion. However, beyond these vibrant traditions lies a deeper significance – Diwali is about personal reflection, growth, and the renewal of one’s spirit.

Celebrating Cultural and Religious Diversity in Universities

In today’s multicultural world, universities are more than just places of academic learning; they are communities where students from various backgrounds converge. Recognising and celebrating events like Diwali is an essential part of building an inclusive environment where students feel valued and respected for their cultural and religious identities.

By celebrating Diwali, universities can enhance cultural understanding among the student body, creating opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect. This not only allows students who celebrate Diwali to share their traditions with others but also encourages non-celebrating students to learn about the festival and engage with it in meaningful ways. 

Diwali, in this context, becomes more than just a religious celebration; it becomes a celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange.

How Universities Can Accommodate and Support Diwali

Many universities are increasingly aware of the importance of acknowledging and accommodating the religious needs of their students. During Diwali, universities can take active steps to support the celebrations in several meaningful ways.

One of the most important considerations is providing appropriate spaces for students to practise their religious observances. Multi-faith prayer rooms or designated spaces for meditation and reflection can be made available, allowing students to gather for prayers or participate in religious activities without feeling excluded. 

During Diwali, universities can enhance these spaces by offering materials like oil lamps, candles, and other items used in traditional Diwali rituals.

In addition to providing spaces for worship, universities can also host cultural events that educate the broader student body about Diwali. Guest lectures, workshops on traditional Diwali customs such as rangoli-making, and screenings of films that depict the stories behind the festival can enrich the understanding of Diwali’s significance. 

These events not only highlight the cultural importance of the festival but also offer opportunities for students from different backgrounds to participate and learn about traditions they might not be familiar with.

Furthermore, universities can organise festive celebrations that bring the campus community together. Events such as Diwali-themed dinners in dining halls, communal diya lighting ceremonies, or even festive gatherings in residence halls can create a sense of belonging and inclusion. 

By organising such events, universities offer a space where students celebrating Diwali away from home can still experience the joy and comfort of the festival.

Academic Flexibility During Diwali

One challenge students face during Diwali is the conflict between academic obligations and religious celebrations. Since Diwali often falls during midterm exams or heavy coursework periods, students can find it difficult to balance their academic responsibilities with their religious observances. 

Universities can help by offering academic flexibility, allowing students to take time off to participate in religious ceremonies or celebrate with their families.

By offering extensions on assignments or rescheduling exams, universities show that they are committed to supporting their students’ well-being, both academically and spiritually. Academic staff should be encouraged to understand the significance of Diwali and be open to making accommodations that allow students to celebrate without added stress.

In doing so, universities not only support students’ academic success but also demonstrate respect for their religious practices, which is critical in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

How Students Can Celebrate Diwali on Campus

For students celebrating Diwali at university, there are plenty of ways to bring the festival to life, even while being away from home. Student societies, particularly Indian and South Asian student groups, often take the lead in organising Diwali events. 

These events can range from formal celebrations like Diwali dinners and cultural performances to more casual gatherings where students prepare traditional dishes and light candles.

Students can also embrace the spirit of Diwali by sharing their traditions with their peers. Inviting friends and roommates to participate in rituals, such as creating rangoli or lighting diyas, helps foster understanding and brings the festival’s joy to a broader audience. 

It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, where students of all backgrounds can come together in celebration.

Additionally, Diwali is a time for giving and selflessness. Many students choose to volunteer during this period, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on generosity. Universities can collaborate with local charities or student societies to organise community service activities, such as food drives, clothing donations, or fundraising events. 

By encouraging acts of kindness, universities and students alike can embody the core values of Diwali – compassion, charity, and unity.

Building a Community Spirit

Diwali celebrations at university are about more than just religious observances; they are about building a community spirit that transcends cultural boundaries. When students from different backgrounds come together to celebrate, they create an environment where everyone feels included. 

Diwali serves as a reminder that, despite differences in religion or culture, we are all connected by shared values of light, hope, and kindness.

Universities that actively support Diwali celebrations contribute to this spirit of inclusivity. By recognising the importance of religious and cultural events, they foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and where every student feels valued. Diwali at university is an opportunity for students to come together, share their traditions, and build lasting friendships.

Conclusion

Diwali is a festival that carries deep cultural and religious significance. For students celebrating far from home, it offers a chance to reconnect with their roots and share the joy of the festival with others. 

Universities have an important role to play in supporting and accommodating these celebrations, ensuring that all students feel respected and included.

Through cultural awareness events, flexible academic policies, and on-campus celebrations, universities can create a space where Diwali is not only acknowledged but celebrated in all its vibrant glory. 

For students, Diwali is a time to celebrate their heritage, share their traditions, and embrace the values of light, unity, and community. By working together, universities and students can ensure that Diwali is a time of joy, reflection, and shared cultural celebration.