“Deepavali celebrations – Hindu Festival of Lights¡° held on Nov. 2

On November 2, “Deepavali celebrations – Hindu Festival of Lights¡° was held at the UF Student Central, University of Fukui Bunkyo Campus. The event, organized by two Indian students enrolled at the University with the cooperation of the Embassy of Indian Tokyo, aimed to expose students to Indian culture through Deepavali, or simply Diwali, a Hindu celebration in India. Approximately 20 participants, including Japanese and international students from the University of Fukui, as well as Indian residents of Katsuyama, took part in the event. Professor NAGAI Niro, Vice President for International Affairs and Global Strategies, also participated in the celebration.

In the event venue decorated with oil lamps called diyas (substituted with LED candlelight on the day of the event), a symbol of Diwali, participants watched a video message by Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Japan. Then, participants were introduced to Diwali by an Indian student and experienced Rangoli, a ritual of drawing patterns with colorful powder. Participants painted their favorite patterns such as peacocks and flowers in their own colors and shapes. Afterwards, the participants tried copying the words of Diwali celebrations in various languages spoken in India. The students struggled with the unfamiliar forms of writing. Participants also enjoyed Indian gulab jamun (doughnut in syrup), said to be the sweetest candy in the world, and soan papdi, a candy containing almonds and pistachios, while deepening exchanges among themselves.

The University of Fukui provides its members with opportunities to deepen their understanding of different cultures and to reflect on themselves through exposure to a variety of cultures. Please look forward to °ÄÃŽðɳ_¾º²Ê×ãÇò±È·Ö-ÀºÇòÅ·ÖÞ±­Í¶×¢×¢²áÍƼö international exchanges at the University of Fukui in the future!