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Diwali lights shine colour upon Swinburne
November 2009
Our Hawthorn campus came alive with colour as it played host to one of the biggest Indian festivals last month.
Diwali, the 'festival of lights' and Bandhi Chorrh Divas was celebrated with the spirit and enthusiasm of a 500-strong crowd made up of local and international students and staff.
Indian and Australian national anthems opened the event, followed by a welcome speech by Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Ian Young.
The Hawthorn campus Atrium became a dancefloor with the Swinburne Bhangra, Gharbha and Bollywood Groups busting out their moves to tunes spun by Oorjo DJs. Highlights of the day included a multicultural Bhangra performed by local students and a South Indian performance.
The energy-filled dances were accompanied by students offering 'mehandi' (Indian tattoo) and artistic handmade Indian jewellery. Beautiful 'rangoli' (sandpainting decorations) set the Diwali mood. Adding an aromatic atmosphere was mouth-watering food sponsored by Gujjus Hawthorn.
During Diwali, people light 'diyas' (cotton string wicks) inserted in small clay pots filled with oil to signify victory of good over evil within an individual.
The Swinburne Punjabi Club is one of the most active student-run associations on campus. It represents Punjabi culture whilst priding itself in promoting all cultures in India. Its events aim to bring together Swinburne’s diverse community.
