Diwali or Deepavali (in Tamil) is one of the major festivals of Hinduism. This year, Diwali is celebrated on Thursday 4 November, beginning with festivities from 2 November. We have organised a range of activities from 2 to 4 November to celebrate Diwali at the university.
The word Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "row of lighted lamps". It is described as the Festival of Lights because it symbolises the spiritual triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. On that auspicious day, people light up their home with small oil lamps called diya. Other traditions and observances on that day include prayers, cooking and sharing traditional sweets, wearing new clothes and fireworks displays.
Although deeply rooted in Hinduism, Diwali is celebrated across the world by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. On this day, those different religions mark different events.
Hindus honour the return of the deities Rama and his consort Sita from a 14-year exile. Tamil speaking Hindus particularly celebrate the day the Goddess Durga destroyed the demon Mahisha. Diwali is widely associated with Lakhsmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth.
Sikhs celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh in 1619, though Sikhism have been celebrating the festival long before this date. An important fact is that the foundation stone of the holy Golden Temple at Amritsar in India was laid on Diwali in 1577.
Jains celebrate the moment Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained a state of eternal bliss or nirvana, called Moksha.
Happy Diwali / Deepavali.
Join our events
Thank you to everyone who joined our events and shared images on social media, we've included some of them below:
To celebrate Diwali @UniofGreenwich we have the amazing RnR productions providing a beautiful performance! Going on live today! Next performances at 1pm and 2pm in Dreadnought Building! pic.twitter.com/Q1UZH9W587
— Jas Seehra-Pearce (@jassiedelacroix) November 4, 2021
So lovely to see indians on @UniofGreenwich campus celebrating #Diwali & not to mention the amazing dance performance organised by beloved @greenwichsu ❤️
— SAMEER DHORE (@samdhore05) November 5, 2021
wishing everyone a very happy & prosperous diwali ✨ @NISAU_UK pic.twitter.com/00i6DpDg3z
The University of Greenwich wishes you a Happy Diwali, may the Festival of Light bring you joy and success!
— Uni of Greenwich (@UniofGreenwich) November 4, 2021
On the 5 November 2021 from 5pm, we will be projecting a Happy Diwali onto Queen Anne Building (Greenwich campus) to celebrate.
Read more �� https://t.co/ozHVxTh4FO pic.twitter.com/zRzwS3zAcY
Diwali events organised by @uniofgreenwich BAME Staff Network:https://t.co/z3184TYkj3 pic.twitter.com/2PylUunirH
— Greenwich Students' Union (@greenwichsu) November 3, 2021
Happy #Diwali! ✨
— Royal Borough of Greenwich (@Royal_Greenwich) November 4, 2021
We're going to be sharing some interesting facts about Diwali throughout the day today, so keep an eye out on our social media. ��
Feel free to drop any of your favourite Diwali facts, stories or pictures below!�� pic.twitter.com/wroHXZG0Mz
Happy #Diwali to all of our members, the wider #cafc fans and everyone celebrating around the world.#Diwali2020 #cafc pic.twitter.com/3QWdEE9kKl
— Proud Valiants (@CAFC_PV) November 14, 2020
