We wish a very happy Diwali to our students, staff, alumni and the wider community celebrating tomorrow and in the days ahead.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated by many Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. The festival is rooted in various traditions, most famously in the Ramayana, where it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana where people celebrated by lighting oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him home. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Celebrations involve cleaning and decorating homes, performing prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting diyas, firework displays and sharing traditional sweets.

Diwali promotes the values of compassion and unity reminding us of the light within us all and inspiring us to cherish and celebrate life’s blessings.

To find out more about Diwali please visit Diwali - Wikipedia and Celebrating Diwali in The Workplace | Inclusive Employers.

You can also contact the University’s Chaplaincy Team for further information and support: University of Sussex Chaplaincy.

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