Often called the festival of lights, Diwali commemorates the return of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, to his people after being exiled for 14 years, during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The five-day holiday is annually held in autumn during Ashwin, the seventh month of the Hindu calendar and typically falls between the middle of October until the middle of November, which is also the time of harvest, and so represents wealth, prosperity and wisdom.
Last night, the LUMS community joined their Hindu friends on campus to celebrate Diwali, which was organized by the Hum Ahang society at LUMS. The Central Courtyard was decorated with traditional earthen diyas (candles) and colorful rangoli artworks- patterns created on the floor using colored rice or powder, and was lit up with colors, lights, and music. The event began with a short video about what the LUMS community associated with Diwali. For many, it meant happiness, enjoyment and harmony. Shortly afterwards, members from Hum Ahang performed on Dhol Baje, London Thumukda and a Dhandiya dance. This was followed by volunteers from the crowd taking the floor to sing a song or poetry, or dance to mehndi medleys or attan; the latter of which was none other than the request of our attan fanboy student council president. Students ate mithai, danced with bhangras, and took happy pictures in their desi attires.
Diwali is being celebrated on campus since the past three years, for which Hum Ahang is to be accredited. There is a significant number of Hindus who are a part of the LUMS community, and many of these are students who are unable to go back to their homes and celebrate this religious festival with their families. Therefore, it is essential for others to practice empathy, inclusivity, and inter-faith harmony, and create an atmosphere of festivity for them on campus, which is their home away from home. Moreover, in times such as the past week which created an air of anguish, loss and sorrow, it is necessary for us to keep reminding ourselves to not give up. The Diwali celebration helped us recollect ourselves, our moods, and our spirits.
You truly exhibited that LUMS is a university full of the liberal people who don’t let anybody feel minor and participate in the events of other religions. I was muddled and scared to celebrate Diwali on my university NUST earlier but your this move has withdrawn all that feeling from my mind and hopefully next time we will celebrate Diwali and Holi at NUST too.