More than 900 celebrate Diwali on campus at the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne has celebrated Diwali on campus in Parkville, with over 900 current students and staff joining the festivities.

The event marks the Hindu festival of lights, an important occasion for the Indian community globally and many at the University, where India is the third highest country by representation for international students.

It was also an opportunity to promote greater understanding of Hindu culture and celebrations and invite people to join in festivities and find out more about Diwali traditions.

Entertainment included Bollywood and sitar performances, a Bollywood DJ, Indian crafts and rangoli and food trucks and sweets, giving revellers a taste of local Indian cuisine.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley is pleased that the University of Melbourne is celebrating diverse and exciting cultural occasions from around the world on campus.

“Our University community is proudly multicultural and it is great to see so many people joining us for Diwali festivities,” Professor Wesley said.

“Campus events like Diwali help our staff and students recognise and share their own customs and traditions while inviting the full university community to learn and connect in with the celebrations in an inclusive way..

The event was the latest in the University’s calendar of cultural celebrations, which included Holi, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Fiesta del Sol and other events earlier in the year.

Watch a video of the Diwali festivities here.