A Touch of India on the University Campus
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, will take place on campus on 24 November 2019
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A musical performance from Diwali 2016, which took place in the main university Mensa. Photo: private
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the Hindu month Kartik. For followers of the Hindu religion, this festival is of similar status to the Christmas tradition within Christian culture. As a part of this festival, new lamps are bought and displayed, so as to show the souls of the dead the path towards Nirvana. People decorate their homes with candles, flowers and garlands. Tradition says that only well-lit houses are visited by Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and her visit results in a healthy income for the coming year.
On 24 November 2019, this dazzling, colourful celebration will take place in the auditorium of the Main Lecture Hall Building (Orangerie) in room N115, as well as across the street at Club der Kulturen. This is already the 11th Diwali Festival here on campus. The annual event is planned by, among others, the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) student initiative. The festivities begin at 17:00 in the N115 lecture hall.
Guests can expect a varied programme: in addition to performances of Indian music and dance, a selection of tasty and flavourful Indian food will be offered (starting at 20:00). After 21:00, an Indian DJ Night will take place at Club der Kulturen, where people can dance the night away to Bollywood beats. The overall aim of this event is to bring other cultures closer to the meaning and essence of true Indian culture.
This event is open to both members of the university community as well as the general public. Admission to the cultural programme is free, but registration is required, at the following link: https://forms.gle/8jyPkiRvx3UpVZ1dA . Meal tickets will cost money, however if you book early it costs 2 euros. A late booking will cost 3 euros. Meal tickets can be purchased by getting in contact with the following numbers: +49 174 3967979, +49 176 36949396.
(Author: Julia Henkel, Translation: Jeffrey Karnitz)
Mario Steinebach
19.11.2019
