Diwali
Every year, for five days, the Festival of Lights occurs, when Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrate a new beginning and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This is a great time to learn about the different celebrations that Kingston’s own student body has.
The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means rows of lit lamps;
The decorative pattern created in flour is called Rangoli;
Over one billion people celebrate Diwali.
Hanukkah
Every year, either in November or December, depending on the lunisolar calendar, the Jewish Festival of Lights is celebrated worldwide.
This is a great time to recognise that religious diversity is a key strength of our society—and of Kingston’s own student body.
Lunar New Year
Every year, your Union highlights New Lunar Year. This a festival which is celebrated in different cultures in Southeast and East Asia. In some of these cultures, each year is associated with one of 12 animals, with 2024 being the year of the dragon.
Ramadan
Every year, on the 9th Month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Ramadan is observed. This is a great time to recognise that religious diversity is a key strength of our society—and of Kingston’s own student body.
Holi
Every year, the festival of colours occurs when Hindus mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
First day: people light bonfires and roast grains, popcorn, coconut, and chickpeas.
Next day: people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint-throwing.
This is a great time to learn about the different celebrations that Kingston’s own student body has.