The University hosted its second annual Diwali celebration on 3 November, which brought together the Westminster community to honour the occasion and enjoy its festivities. As part of the World in Westminster series, the gathering provided an opportunity to share global cultural traditions and foster inclusivity across the University.
Organised by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) team in collaboration with the University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) and five student societies, including the Hindu Society, Tamil Society, INSA Society, Nepalese Society and Desi Society, the event welcomed students, colleagues, alumni and guests to experience the festivities of Diwali. Suhavee Sethi and Adil Musani, Sabbatical Officers in the UWSU, were co-organisers and played a key role in coordinating the celebration.
The event began with the creation of rangoli designs and henna art to symbolise good fortune and welcome positive energies for the festive season. Marigold flowers adorned the campus which set a warm and celebratory ambiance for the festivities. A Puja, which is an offering ceremony, was conducted by Dr Natasha Ramachandran, Lecturer in Psychology, and her family, as attendees joined in prayers for success, prosperity and wisdom.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand then delivered a welcome address which emphasised the importance of cultural exchange at Westminster.
Professor Anand said: "A festival is an opportunity to enhance a sense of belonging for those who celebrate due to cultural affiliation and those who seek to learn about other cultures. As a global university, we are keen to make festivals go beyond specific traditions and become a forum where students and colleagues from different cultures come together to share, learn and enjoy."
In a highlight of the evening, EDI Officer and event host Rajat Shah surprised the audience with a dance performance from the University’s Bhangra Society. With Indian music playing and a spread of traditional cuisine, the event created a festive and relaxed atmosphere for attendees across the University to come together in celebration of Diwali.
Dr Ramachandran shared her gratitude for the opportunity to bring Diwali traditions to Westminster. About the event, she said: “I was privileged to attend the Diwali event with my family this year. I felt a part of a community which in turn felt like home. The food, dancing, rangoli and henna made me feel incredibly proud of how Westminster embraces all faiths and cultures.”
Suhavee Sethi, who co-organised the event, commented: “This year’s Diwali celebration at the University was nothing short of magical. As we all gathered to honour this beautiful festival of lights, the atmosphere was filled with joy and warmth, creating a homely vibe that resonated with everyone present. It was a pleasure to collaborate with some amazing people organising this event and seeing so many people come together to celebrate was truly heartwarming. The sense of community and togetherness made the occasion unforgettable and I will forever be grateful for the memories we created during this special time.”
Attendees commented that the evening left them feeling connected to their roots and gave them a sense of belonging within the Westminster community. This Diwali celebration reflects the University’s commitment to inclusivity and its aim to make the campus a welcoming home for students and colleagues from all cultural backgrounds as part of its strategic priorities set out in the Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategy. This celebration joins the list of culturally enriching events held within the World in Westminster series, bringing holidays such as Dia de Muertos, Chanukah and Yalda Night to life for the University community. how Westminster stands as an inclusive global institution.
The World in Westminster series contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find more Equality, Diversity and Inclusion events at the University of Westminster.
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