Festival of Lights, Diwali

A brief history

A day of celebrations, joy and togetherness. A day on which we celebrated one of the biggest festival among the gamut of Indian festivities. This festival is fondly called Diwali.  Diwali, the ‘festival of lights’ is now the widely accepted name for the original name ‘Deepavali’ meaning the “row of lamps”. The event has a special significance for in Hindu Religion because it is considered as the day on which Hindu god, Lord Rama returned home after 14 years in exile. In Jainism, it is the day when Lord Mahavira attained Moksha (Nirvana) and in Sikhism, this day connotes the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind from prison along with 52 other princes. Religions and regions apart, this day is celebrated by the entire country as one, something which is so peculiar to any Indian festival. The puja of goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of money), lighting lamps of oil, candles, exchange of sweets, making rangolis (art with colors) and bursting of crackers are some of the attractions of Diwali.

The Hostel corridors

Oil Lamps




 

 

 

 

 

 Diwali @ XIMB                                   

XIMB has always been the frontrunner in celebrating all the popular festivals which can be attributed to religion or regional context. On the Diwali eve, the entire XIMB campus was brimming with energy and lights. The artificial lights hanging on the walls of hostel buildings, lamps of oil across all the paths in the campus and the designer candles flickering across the hallways accentuated the fervor. All the students got together for the Lakshmi Puja after which everyone wished each other, exchanged sweets and burst crackers.

Desi Touch

Students Lighting Sparklers

A unique blend that XIMBians add to the celebration of Diwali is the ‘Dandiya night’. Dandiya a popular dance majorly attributed to vibrant Gujaratis (people from the state of Gujarat). The dance continued for well over two hours as the students tapped their feet and sticks to the tunes of traditional Dandiya music.

Dandiya Fever

Top View



As everyone retired back to their rooms after the dance, the happiness was evident on their faces even very late into the night. Most of the students were away from home on this grand day, but all of us at XIMB made sure that we are there for each other making the discomfort of being away from parents and relatives a distant thought. With a loud cheer to the spirit of camaraderie between XIMBians, we wish you all a very Happy Diwali.


Team IRC