Galway’s Indian community will celebrate Diwali – the festival of lights – with a special event in NUI Galway on Saturday October 25, and all Galwegians are welcome.
The celebration, organised by the Galway Indian community and NUIG’s India Soc, takes place in the Bailey Allen Hall, on the university campus, from 5pm to 11pm. There will be Indian food, Bollywood music, dance, entertainment, raffles, and prizes.
The word Diwali means a ‘row of lights’ and is a time to dispel the darkness of ignorance and instead light the way on our journey through life. It is celebrated on the 14/15 day in the dark half of Kartik (October – November ) and prayers are offered to Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Diwali also celebrates the triumph of good over evil, righteousness over treachery, and truth over falsehood. For Hindus, it marks Lord Rama’s return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after his 14-year exile in the forests and Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakaasura who had kidnapped and terrorised the gopis of Vrindavan. The festival is also a time of family get-togethers and celebrations.
Tickets are €15 (adults ), €10 (students and children aged between five and 12 ). For tickets contact 083 – 3095618, 086 – 0540890. Student tickets are available through the Socs Box, Áras na McLeinn.