Indian communities around the world have been celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Light.

The festival is the most popular of all the Indian festivals, and is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

India celebrates Diwali (or Deepavali) for 5 days in the Hindu month of Ashwina. The festival gets its name from the rows of lamps that decorate houses and streets. These lamps symbolise life, knowledge, and the victory of good over evil.

Other traditions of the festival vary according to region and religious belief. Families gather to celebrate with fireworks, gift-giving, food and sweets, visiting local fairs and making offerings to the gods. Diwali is also celebrated in many other countries around the world.

CQU celebrated the Diwali festival in style at the Sydney International Graduate Campus on Friday October 20.

Using authentic Indian decorations, the CQU foyer and numerous other locations throughout the university were transformed into a cultural delight for all students and staff to enjoy.

Client Services dressed up for the event in traditional Indian saris which the students appreciated and commented on. One student even went so far as to say that we looked better than in our normal ‘Aussie’ professional clothing.

In addition to the beautiful decorations, students were also treated to 400 sweets and desserts provided by Jaipur Sweets Catering.

Photo (above): Client Services Staff in traditional dress serving Pista Burfi and Gulab Jamun.

Photo (below): Decorations set up in celebration of Diwali (at various locations around the campus).