Diwali - Victory of light over shadow

On December 2, the Council of Indian Students at RWU hosted a Diwali celebration. Even the way to the largest lecture hall at RWU was decorated with flags and fairy lights, many students wore traditional clothing and the scent of spices was in the air.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is an important Hindu festival that lasts several days. The essence of the festival is the victory of good over evil, truth over lies, light over shadow and life over death.

For many Hindus, especially in northern India, it dates back to the day when God Rama returned to the city from the jungle after 14 years of exile. People lit lamps along his path. Lights are therefore an essential element of Diwali.

International flair in Weingarten

The Diwali festival lasts five days. Each of these days has a name and is associated with certain activities. On the first day, the house is tidied and decorated. People buy new clothes and cooking utensils, as well as jewelry. On the fourth day, trays of lights are waved in worship of the gods.

The two guests of honor at this year's Diwali festival, the Mayor of Weingarten, Clemens Moll, and the Rector of RWU, Professor Dr. Thomas Spägele, also took part in this ritual. "It's great to see that RWU is so internationally positioned and brings this international flair to our city," said the Lord Mayor.

One part of Diwali, said the evening's host and hostess, was also to celebrate culture, the different cultures of India and also cultures from other countries. In addition to music and dance interludes, Nepalese and Indian songs were also performed, to which the audience joined in loudly.

"Where do you think Diwali is celebrated everywhere?" asked the presenter. "It is celebrated everywhere, because Diwali is the spirit of friendship, togetherness, hope and happiness!"

Click here for the picture gallery