Celebrating Diwali at Waurn Ponds: A Festival of Light, Culture, and Community
On 24 October, the Waurn Ponds Campus will light up with the vibrant celebration of Diwali – the Festival of Lights. This annual event is important in Indian culture and is celebrated by millions of people from diverse backgrounds around the world.
At Deakin University, the Diwali festival is more than just a showcase of culture; it’s a chance for students to come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
The event at Waurn Ponds will feature cultural performances, music, traditional food stalls, and a display of the Indian art rangoli that make Diwali so special. It’s also a valuable opportunity to learn more about what this festival means to students personally, and how they celebrate it with their families and friends.
To capture the voices of our community, Pulse interviewed Disha, a Bachelor of Information Technology Student, about their Diwali traditions, what the festival means to them, and how they carry these celebrations across borders into their university life in Australia.
What does Diwali mean to you personally?
“Diwali holds a very special place in my heart because it is one of the biggest and most meaningful festivals in my culture. Diwali was never just about rituals or decorations, it was about coming together as a family, reconnecting with loved ones, and feeling a shared sense of joy. Personally, it symbolises warmth, belonging, and togetherness. It reminds me that no matter where life takes me, my traditions and values keep me connected to my roots.”
How do you usually celebrate Diwali with your family and friends?
“Back home in India, Diwali is celebrated over four to five days, and each day has its own unique importance. We start by cleaning and decorating the house to welcome positivity and prosperity. Then we create rangolis intricate designs using colours, flowers, or even diyas (lamps). Every evening, we perform pooja (prayer rituals), light diyas around the house, and share sweets and snacks with family and neighbours. Fireworks used to be a big part of the celebrations when I was younger, and the streets would be full of sparkle and noise. Visiting friends and relatives, exchanging gifts, and sitting together to enjoy festive meals were the highlights. It always felt like the whole community was celebrating as one.”
Food & rangoli – Plate of ladoos and other sweets, with colourful rangoli artwork.
What traditions or rituals are most important in your celebration?
“The most important ritual during Diwali is definitely doing pooja. In simple terms, pooja is a prayer ceremony in Hindu culture. It usually involves offering flowers, incense, food, and light (in the form of lamps) to the deities, while chanting prayers or mantras. On Diwali, the most significant pooja is the Lakshmi Pooja, where we worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This ritual is believed to bring blessings, peace, and abundance into the home. For me, it is the most spiritual and grounding part of the festival, it’s when the noise and celebration quiets down, and the whole family sits together to pray.”
Is there a particular memory from Diwali that stands out to you?
“Yes, one memory that always stays with me is from my childhood. One Diwali, a close family friend of my father’s came from overseas to visit us. He brought so many fireworks, snacks, and gifts for me and my brother, and as small kids, that made us feel incredibly special. I remember the excitement of holding sparklers in my hand, the joy of opening those gifts, and the warmth of being surrounded by love. That Diwali made me realise that festivals are not just about rituals, but about the love and kindness we share with one another.”
What’s your favourite part of Diwali (food, decorations, fireworks, time with loved ones, etc.)?
“Honestly, I love everything about it, the food, decorations, lights, and the energy around. But if I had to choose, sweets would be my absolute favourite. From laddoos to barfis to gulab jamuns, there’s just an endless variety to enjoy. As a child, I loved the fireworks, but as I grew older, I became more conscious of the environmental impact and air pollution, so I stopped bursting them myself. Even so, I still enjoy watching the colourful displays in the sky, and it always brings back happy memories.”
Similar to many Indian students, Disha uses Diwali as an opportunity to stay connected with family and friends, spread happiness and share stories of their culture.
How do you celebrate Diwali while studying in Australia?
“Being away from home, Diwali feels a little different, but I try to carry the spirit of it with me. Here in Australia, I celebrate with my relatives and close friends. We cook traditional meals, share sweets, and sometimes decorate the house with lights and rangoli to recreate that festive feeling. I’ve also attended the Diwali celebrations at Deakin, which was wonderful because it felt like a piece of home away from home. Beyond that, I spend time calling my family back in India, sharing photos and videos so I don’t feel too far from the celebration. Even though it’s on a smaller scale, it still makes me feel connected to my culture and roots.”
Photo from the 2023 Deakin University Diwali Festival.
How do you share or explain Diwali with friends who are unfamiliar with it?
“I usually describe Diwali as the ‘Festival of Lights’, a celebration of joy, love, and the triumph of good over evil. I explain the story of Lord Ram, who went into exile (vanvas) with his wife and brother for fourteen years, defeated the demon king Ravan, and then returned home. People lit diyas (oil lamps) to celebrate his victory and welcome him back, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. For me, it’s a beautiful way of telling my friends that Diwali is more than just lights and sweets, it’s about spreading positivity, kindness, and joy in our lives and communities.”
Why do you think it’s important for festivals like Diwali to be celebrated at Deakin University?
“Deakin [University] has a vibrant and diverse community, and there are many Indian students here. Celebrating Diwali at Deakin [University] creates a sense of belonging for students like me who are away from home. It also helps share our culture with others and builds inclusivity. Festivals like Diwali send a universal message that even in the darkest times, light and goodness will always prevail. That message resonates with people from all backgrounds, which makes celebrating it in a multicultural environment even more meaningful.”
What would you like other students to know about Diwali and its meaning?
“I’d like them to know that Diwali is not just a cultural event, but an experience of joy, love, and togetherness. It’s a festival where families reunite, communities bond, and people come together to celebrate positivity. It teaches us to let go of negativity and embrace hope, kindness, and new beginnings.”
If you could describe Diwali in three words, what would they be?
Lights. Sweets. Togetherness.
Campus with diyas – Twilight scene at Waurn Ponds with glowing lamps along a pathway.
Writer: Tara McGrath
Editor: Vanessa Chan
