Celebrate Diwali with fireworks, food, and dancing at the University of Exeter

Students from the Asian Society and Hindu Society have planned fun and vibrant activities for all ages to enjoy on Sunday, November 14.

Festival of Light celebrations, at the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus, starts with a Puja at 2:30pm, led by a Hindu Chaplain in the Forum building. After then people can enjoy food and activity stalls before dance performances begin at 5:30pm.

The parade to the fireworks will start at 6:15, and they will begin at 6:45pm outside the XFI building.

Students will run activities including painting Diya clay oil lamps, badge making and Rangoli cards. There will be henna painting and story time for children and a games room for youngsters.

The stalls have been organised by Abhishek Yadav and Shania Hathiramani.

Shania said: “There will be something for everyone. We will have a variety of stalls that showcase our traditions that have allowed us to transport a part of our home here.” Abhishek said: “We are excited to share this with everyone coming to Diwali celebrations.”

Attendees can take part in dance workshops and try on traditional dress.

There will be dance performances from students and delicious Indian food available to purchase.

The dance performances have been choreographed by Fatima Ahmad and Ananya Gupta.

Fatima said: “People can look forward to a super vibrant day with our fun dances, soulful singing and a range of colourful stalls!” Ananya said: We think the performances at Diwali this year will definitely be the highlight!”

Asian Society Publicity Officer Manav Hartono said: “Aneeka, the Hindu Society Publicity Officer, and I have been working hard to promote the Diwali event to the wider community. We have received many messages from students on their excitement for the event.”

President of Hindu Society Smriti Lakhotia said “We are really excited to be able to hold this event after two years” Vice President of Asian Society Hireena Hans said “We can’t wait to welcome as many people as possible to celebrate this auspicious day with us!”

Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “The University’s Diwali celebrations are one of the highlights of the year for everyone in the University community and in the City of Exeter, and it is fantastic that this year we will once again be able to welcome people to the in-person events.  Our students have really done an outstanding job organising the event, and I am really excited to be joining my very first Diwali celebrations at Exeter as Vice-Chancellor.”

Fireworks are weather dependent but will only be cancelled in event of high winds and very heavy rain. Cancellation of fireworks will be posted on the university’s website and on university social media if necessary.