CQUniversity Australia
 

Engaging Indigenous people within Higher Ed

CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a visit from the Oodgeroo Unit of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at Rockhampton Campus.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, Director of the Oodgeroo Unit, and Lone Pearce, Project Officer, met with Office of Indigenous Engagement staff to discuss employment issues and best practice models for engaging Indigenous people within the higher education sector, including governance matters.

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Sydney celebrates Diwali 

Published on 26 October, 2006 

CQU Sydney International Campus was adorned with decorations including lights and candles on Friday October 20 to commemorate the holy celebration of Diwali (which was officially on October 21).

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

PhotoID:3630 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.

To help celebrate, assortments of sweets were handed out to students at the Sydney International Campus and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Photo: CQU Sydney International Undergraduate Campus Director Barbara Abou-Lehaf and undergraduate students Bharat Kotadia, Patel Chirag, Alap Patel and Virendrasinh Vaghela.