The University of Melbourne came alive with vibrant colours and festivities as it celebrated Diwali on its Parkville campus.
More than 1,000 students and staff gathered to take part in the festival of lights, marking one of the most important and culturally significant events on the Indian calendar. The event served as a joyous opportunity for cultural exchange and brought a diverse group of participants together, celebrating the spirit of community.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated as the Hindu festival of lights and symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. While Diwali has its roots in Hinduism, it has become a cultural phenomenon celebrated not only in India but also in countries like Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and United Kingdom, as well as by the Indian diaspora across the globe.
For the University of Melbourne, the event held a special significance as it brought international and local students together in a shared celebration.
The festivities at the Parkville campus featured a dazzling mix of performances, traditional Indian food, and music, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Students gathered to watch and participate in vibrant cultural showcases, including performances by the Indian dance and entertainment organisation, Ignite Bollywood, which captivated the audience with its energetic routines and intricate choreography. The event also highlighted student-led performances, showcasing the talents of the university’s diverse community.
Attendees were also treated to a feast of traditional Indian food, which played a key role in immersing participants in the cultural experience. Fragrant curries, freshly made naan, samosas, and a variety of sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi offered attendees a taste of Indian culinary traditions, encouraging everyone to come together over a shared meal. The aroma of spices filled the air, adding to the lively, warm atmosphere of the celebration.
The highlight of the evening was the lighting of diyas—small oil lamps that symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. The campus courtyard was transformed into a glowing landscape, with hundreds of diyas illuminating the area, creating a breathtaking visual representation of Diwali’s central message. Students and staff joined hands to light these diyas, symbolizing the unity that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley expressed his delight at seeing the festival’s success. “Diwali is a special occasion at our University and it brings a fantastic energy of cultural exchange to our campus,” Professor Wesley said.
“It is one of the most anticipated days of the cultural calendar and the event attracts people from all backgrounds, celebrating with our international student community, learning, and sharing experiences with each other.”
Professor Wesley further noted how the Diwali celebrations have grown in size and significance each year, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
“Events like these showcase the importance of cultural diversity at our institution and highlight the contributions that international students make to the broader university community,” he added.
For many students, the Diwali celebration offered a sense of belonging, especially for those spending the festival away from home. Pranav Soman, a Master of International Business student and President of the Bollywood Club, emphasised the value of having a place to celebrate the festival within the university community.
“This is my first time celebrating Diwali away from family,” Soman said.
“The University of Melbourne and all the clubs and activities organised during festivals like these have definitely helped in making Melbourne my home away from home.”
The cultural exchange fostered by the Diwali celebration went beyond just performances and food. Workshops were also held on traditional art forms, such as rangoli—intricate designs made on the ground using coloured powders—which allowed participants to learn more about the cultural significance of these practices. This hands-on experience gave students and staff an opportunity to not only observe but also actively participate in the cultural traditions of Diwali.
The event concluded with an open dance floor, where attendees of all backgrounds came together to dance to popular Bollywood tracks. The lively beats and joyful atmosphere highlighted the unifying power of music and dance, providing a perfect end to an evening dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering connections within the university.
As the diyas continued to burn late into the evening, the Diwali celebrations at the University of Melbourne proved to be more than just an event—it was a symbol of unity, inclusivity, and the beauty of cultural exchange. The festival brought together people from different walks of life, bridging gaps through shared experiences and creating lasting memories.
With each year, the Diwali celebration at Parkville grows, solidifying its place as one of the most cherished events on the university’s cultural calendar.
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