Festival of Diwali is celebrated at UCC

A celebration was held at University College Cork at the weekend for Diwali, festival of lights, which is celebrated throughout India by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.

It symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, and this year it is celebrated from October 31 until November 1.

UCC Diwali is hosted by UCC Indian Society, which is run by students, who celebrated the festival on October 26 at Boole 4.

Present at the event was councillor Fergal Dennehy who was deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork; Kate Higgins, the entertainment officer at UCC Students’ Union, and Lekha Menon Margassery, president of the UCC Indian Alumni Community.

Aatma Indian dance troupe showcased the folk dances from east, west, north, and south, in a dance routine that celebrated India’s unity in diversity, culminating in a tribute to Ganapathy Bappa with the iconic ‘Ganapathy Bappa Moriya’ song from the movie ABCD.

There was also a fashion show, with a theme of India’s diverse cultural heritage, and models took participants on a journey across the four corners of the country, celebrating the distinct styles and vibrant traditions of each region.

Mr Dennehy told The Echo that Diwali “brings a radiant and unifying spirit to Cork, enhancing the city’s cultural tapestry, promoting inclusivity,” adding that it “represents universal themes of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division.

“This joyous occasion allows people from all backgrounds to experience and celebrate Indian heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions.”

The UCC Indian Society “has truly excelled in showcasing Diwali’s essence, transforming the event into a vibrant display of traditional Indian dance, music, and storytelling,” he said, adding “their performance not only highlights the artistry and passion of Indian culture but also creates a welcoming space for everyone, encouraging cross-cultural interaction and unity”.

“By bringing Diwali to the heart of campus, the Indian Society has contributed immensely to fostering inclusivity, allowing students and residents to partake in the celebration, regardless of background.”