How to celebrate Diwali at University - your guide on the festival of light

In the autumnal months, people across the world will be preparing to celebrate Diwali. Also known as the ‘Festival of Light,’ this cultural occasion of light and colour brings people together so everyone can celebrate – and even whilst at university, you can too! 

The traditional Hindu celebration has been a festival for over 2,500 years, originating in India. Diwali represents new beginnings, and the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. The word Diwali itself comes from a Sanskrit word (Deepavali), which means "rows of lighted lamps" - a decoration often seen in homes to mark this occasion. 

So, as Diwali approaches, you may be wondering how you can celebrate at university…

How do you celebrate Diwali at home?

To host your very own commemorations, whether you are in a private dorm or shared accommodation, we’ve collated our top tips to make this festival of light a memorable one. Check out our 10 reasons to celebrate Diwali at university below! 

Dress up! 

From sarees and kurtas, to bhindis and bangles, those celebrating Diwali tend to dress up in stunning traditional Indian clothing. 

As Diwali is known for being bright and colourful, this is your excuse to dig out your most colourful threads, and accessorise with bangles and jewellery to complete your look. If there’s a charity shop nearby, pop in and see if you can find a hidden gem to suit the Diwali celebrations. 

Why not complete your evening with a little fashion show, so everyone can display their festive Diwali attire.

Sample Diwali dishes

Celebrating Diwali at home is renowned for the delicious food that is enjoyed together, and there is plenty to choose from. 

Savoury Indian snacks such as samosas are always a winner – and you can even make your own with a spiced vegetable filling and pre-made filo pastry. If your culinary skills are up to scratch, why not have a go at cooking a traditional curry for your flatmates? 

If you prefer life outside of the kitchen, you can still enjoy traditional Indian food by heading out to a nearby Indian restaurant to celebrate with others, instead.

Visit a temple

To truly immerse yourself in the essence of Diwali, why not visit a local gurdwara or temple? On the day of Diwali itself, worshippers gather in temples to light a candle or ‘Diwa’ - a small ceramic oil lamp – which signify the lights that lit the way in the old tale of Rama and Sita.

All temples and gurdwaras are open for people of any faith to attend, and often offer a vegetarian meal for everyone who attends - so you can learn more about Diwali, immerse yourself in the culture, and sample some traditional food whilst you’re at it!

Get crafty

If you aren’t able to visit a temple, you can always make a Diwa at home! Grab some clay or salt dough from your local craft shop, gather your friends, and host a DIY evening creating beautiful holders for your candles to light up your university halls. Don’t forget to use fireless tealights if your accommodation doesn’t allow open flames! 

Decorate your dorm

Another fantastic way to celebrate Diwali at home is by decorating with traditional Rangoli patterns. These beautiful artistic creations are packed with colour and usually form a greeting for people at the front door, before Diwali celebrations begin and people enter the home. 

So, put your creativity cap on, grab the craft supplies, and create some festive Rangoli inspired decorations to adorn your accommodation door.

Light up the skies

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Diwali celebration without fireworks! Find a local show and huddle together outside after a delicious meal to watch the sky light up with an array of colours that mark this bright and beautiful occasion. Remember, safety first!

Sweet treats for all

No Diwali celebration at home would be complete without traditional Indian sweet treats known as ‘mithai’. You can pick these up from local Indian shops or takeaways, and with so many to choose from, you’re sure to find something for every taste. Why not hold a bake-off style tasting session with your flatmates in your halls?

Get some culture

Another great way to honor Diwali in your home is to watch an Indian film or TV show, or listen to some traditional music. There are so many classics available on streaming services like Netflix and Spotify – all complete with subtitles, of course! We’d recommend checking out ‘Laapataa Ladies’ on Netflix – a heartwarming yet seriously funny comedy. 

Henna time

Henna is a body art tradition that many women do during times of celebration, including Diwali. So, why not pick up a cone from a nearby Indian shop and have a go yourself? Henna designs are traditionally done on hands, and people often sit together and talk or enjoy food while others are having their ‘henna done’. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a social occasion!

Come together

Last but by no means least, no Diwali celebration would be complete without surrounding yourself with loved ones. This is a time for starting a new chapter, and a chance to try new things. So, get together and set yourself a little challenge for the months ahead, marked by the festival of Diwali. 

Outro

From culture to cuisine, our guide on how to celebrate Diwali at university is packed with ideas to enjoy this annual event. Shubh Diwali!

For more guides like this one, check out our Student Spill blog, where you’ll find inspiration, tips, and advice on all the best things to do alongside your studies – including our guide on how to manage stress as a student.