Sponsored by the Associate University Librarian Research & Scholarship and the Hindi-Urdu Language Program

Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
(Programming: 12:30pm to 1:00pm;
Food & Mingling: 1:00pm to 1:30pm)
Location: Asian Centre Auditorium (1871 West Mall) (direction)

Program:
Welcome: Iori Khuhro
Land Acknowledgement & Introduction to the Asian Library: Shirin Eshghi Furuzawa
Introduction to the Hindi-Urdu Program: Student from the Department of Asian Studies
Presentation on Diwali: Taran Dhillon
Performance: Sargam UBC

Followed by light Indian refreshments.

Diwali or Deepavali, which means “a row of lights”, is the most widely celebrated festival in India and throughout the Indian diaspora. It is celebrated on Amavasya (darkest night or no moon day), it usually takes place at the end of October or the first week of November. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil, and the beginning of the New Year in India. The festival celebration, which typically lasts from five to seven days, is celebrated by several South Asian Communities, and by the majority of Indians regardless of faith, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians. On Diwali, people decorate their houses with diyas, candles as well as colourful lights, and they share gifts and recite prayers.

UBC Asian Library invites students, staff and faculty members to experience the diversity of South Asian culture through music and delicious refreshments.

In addition, the Asian Library will be hosting a book display near the entrance of the Asian Centre from November 1 to 15, featuring our collection related to the festival. Please stop by and take a look!

All Diwali activities are free and no registration is required.