HUM service
The Oxford University Hindu Society held a Diwali 'Pooja' (prayer) on Tuesday to coincide with the worldwide celebration of Diwali, which took place last week.
The service was taken by a student from Imperial College who was well-versed in Sanskrit.
The society had hoped to raise awareness of Diwali and Hinduism in general in the University by making the decision to open the event to all students. There was a special prayer translation in English in addition to the ceremony.
HUM, the Hindu Society in Oxford, was established last year to increase awareness about the Hindu religion in Oxford by holding traditional events such as ritual dances and a range of contemporary events and video evenings.
Karishmah Bhuwanee, Events Co-ordinator for the society, hoped that the evening would provide a focus for Diwali celebrations in the University and provide an insight into the Hindu religion for students.
He told the Oxford Student that the society has become increasingly popular over the past year.
Hindus worldwide celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year. Often called the festival of light, Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and so Hindus pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, fortune and wealth.
22nd Nov 2001