Diwali celebrations at CQU Gold Coast International Campus saw the auditorium transformed with hundreds of candles, incense, sparklers and Bollywood film clips on the big screen.

This wonderful ambience set the mood for plenty of Indian-style dancing including the "How low can you go?" limbo competition.

Turbins and saris were no hindrance to the limbo skill demonstrated on the day.  The fine selection of Diwali sweets including Laddu and Kaju Katsu proved popular as students were enthusiastic to sample this delicious Indian tradition. 

By far the highlight was dressing up.  Isabel, GCIC's very own Indian staff member kindly decked out at least 10 of the female staff members in beautiful traditional Indian dresses, herself wearing a stunning sari.

To add to the festive feel of the day many of the students also borrowed their Indian friends' outfits.

The traditional decorative Bindi was given to everyone on arrival and to some of the Indians' dismay was worn very untraditionally by some of the male staff members also!

Everyone from the varied student population enjoyed the CQU Gold Coast Diwali celebration and were sporting henna tattoos and fun memories well into the next week.

Also known as 'The Festival of Lights', Diwali is observed over 5 days and is one of the biggest celebrations for Hindus around the world.

The festival gets its name from the lighting of lamps and candles known as diyas. These decorate houses and streets, symbolising life, knowledge and the triumph of good over evil. Gifts and sweets are exchanged and firecrackers are lit to express happiness.

Diwali celebrates the return and crowning of Lord Rama as the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman, after defeating the demon King Ravana of Ceylon following 14 years in exile. Upon Lord Rama's return, people lit lamps to dissipate the darkness and celebrate the victory. Overjoyed at the safe return of Queen Sita, the people danced and lit fireworks to show their happiness. These festivities continue and are celebrated today.

In addition to the lighting of lamps and fireworks, families celebrate with gift giving, sharing food and sweets and making offerings to the gods.

Diwali is celebrated in many countries around the world.

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar. It is celebrated in honour of Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Ganesh (god of prosperity) and is commemorated over 5 days, with each having a special significance. The first day is dedicated to cows and the second day is for dogs. The fourth day is devoted to Yama the Hindu god of death, to whom there are prayers for long life. The fifth and final day is Bhhaya Dooj. This is dedicated to the brothers, who are wished long life and prosperity by their sisters. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the celebrations and rituals of the festival are similar to those in India.