Swinburne Diwali

Packed to the brim with events, food, activities and a touch of tradition, the Atrium at Swinburne Uni transformed into Diwali Central last month.

Diyas were lit, the dhol rang out, the dandiyas were tapped, the ghaghra skirts swirled and the bhangra danced, in an impressive burst of colour.

Put together by the Swinburne Punjabi Club and the Swinburne Student Engagement Team, the south Asian students of the university - as well as many otherswere able to get a feel of the open, inclusive and party atmosphere of the Hindu festival on campus.

Joining the students on this festive occasion were Vice Chancellor Prof Linda Kristjanson, VMC Commissioner Sam Almaliki, State Member of Parliament

John Pesutto, the Consul General of Democratic Republic of Srilanka W.G.S Prasanna, the Head of Chancery of the Republic of India Rakesh Malhotra, and the university’s Director of Multicultural Engagement, Chin Tan.

The MCs, the lovely Reet Kaur and the charming Mithun Rajan, took the audience on a cultural journey through the region, with bhangra from Punjab, garba from Gujarat, bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu and traditional dances from Nepal. A fashion show introduced the audience to traditional wear, while Bollywood beats brought in a feel of the energy and enthusiasm of contemporary India. Who could keep the crowds from joining in?!

A great reason for a dance party just before the exam season set in…

Nikita Kulkarni