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Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated worldwide. Singapore & Malaysia even set a public holiday for this festival. According to statistics, the global population celebrating Diwali exceeds 1 billion.
Due to the pandemic, many foreign students could not return to their hometowns for more than two years. Therefore, a campus in Hualien held a Diwali festival and made use of this opportunity to reunite the students and enjoyed the festive atmosphere together.
Read More: Avoid crowd during CNY! MOE: Foreign students asked to enter Taiwan before December 15
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The Indian Diwali celebrations include fun games and delicious food to share with relatives and friends. (Photo / Provided by Tzu Chi University)
Student Kanchana from India said that there are two main ways to celebrate Diwali in his hometown. One is having fun games, and the other is preparing delicious food and snacks to share with relatives, friends and neighbors. On the day of Diwali, Indians specially prepared fried vegetable cakes, as well as curry, desserts, Indian milk tea, etc. The tasks are divided into purchasing and cooking. Although everyone is busy preparing the food till midnight, they still enjoyed the quality time together.
During the event held on the campus, there are also activities such as Simon Says, tug-of-war and Indian dances. The event helps to bridge the gap between cultures and enables people of different nationalities to understand each other more.
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Foreign students feel the festive atmosphere of their hometowns in Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by Tzu Chi University)
Students from Malaysia said that firecrackers were set off on the streets during Diwali and the atmosphere was very lively. Having not been home for about two years, the students miss Indian Festivals and dishes very much and it is hoped that the activities help them combat homesickness and loneliness.
