Ara lights up with first student-led Diwali celebration

_{Rishanjali Sharma (Ara Student) and her sisters performing traditional style Bollywood dance.}

Ara Institute of Canterbury’s first-ever student-led Diwali event has proven to be an exciting milestone for the campus community.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, has a rich history in Aotearoa and is a festival celebrated by millions worldwide. It represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

This week’s event included performances from students and the Revathi Performing Arts Group.

There were henna workshops and free traditional Indian snacks, samosas and jalebi, provided by Bolina, an incredible backdrop from Sparkling Events New Zealand and koha gifted by Maia Foods.

_{Ashmita from Revathi Performing Arts dance group performs}

Co-organiser, Dr Sunita Gautam, a business management lecturer at Ara told those gathered that she saw “a beautiful connection with our values here at Ara.”

“Just as Diwali symbolises unity and celebration, our Ara community thrives on whakawhanaungatanga, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Through learning and shared experiences, we come together to celebrate diversity and grow stronger as a community,” she said.

_{The event drew in a crowd of staff and students}

Shanon Mala, from Ara’s event team said it was “amazing to see kamahi and ākonga come together to join in the celebration, with great energy and excitement.”

“Next year we will be making it even bigger and better,” she promised.

A huge thank you to all involved, and happy Diwali!