Diwali Celebration is one of the most celebrated events around the world. Diwali, otherwise known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in Autumn. The holiday signifies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival activities and rituals typically extend over a five day period. Hindus dress up in their best outfits, light small clay lamps and participate in prayers to goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of fertility, wealth and prosperity. Diwali is a major holiday in South Asia, and celebrated by 3 million people in the USA.
Previous Diwali Celebrations
2024
2024 - Diwali Celebration
University Dining & Asian American Cultural Center
In collaboration with University Dining, the AACC will be hosting the Diwali Celebration on Wednesday October 30, 2024. The Diwali-themed dinner will be served from 4:30-8:00PM upstairs in the ISR dining hall. The Diwali Celebration program will be hosted downstairs on the lower level with crafts and performances from 5:00-6:30PM! We hope to see you there!
- Date: October 30, 2024
- Time: 5-6:30 pm
- ISR Dining Hall - 1010 W Illinois St, Urbana, IL 61801
RSO Affiliate Diwali Events
The Indian Graduate Student Association is holding their annual lighting of the Quad in collaboration with the AACC. This year's celebration will consist of home-cooked food, music, and the beautiful lighting of the Quad.
- Date: November 2nd, 2024
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Main Quad - 607 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
Link to article: https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/indian-graduate-students-association-at-u-of-i-hosts-diwali-celebration/
2023
2023 - Diwali Celebration
University Dining & Asian American Cultural Center
In collaboration with University Dining, the AACC will be hosting the Diwali Celebration on Friday November 10, 2023. The Diwali-themed dinner will be served from 4:30-8:00PM upstairs in the ISR dining hall. The Diwali Celebration program will be hosted downstairs on the lower level with crafts and performances from 5:00-6:30PM! We hope to see you there!
- Date: November 10, 2023
- Time: 5-6:30 pm
- ISR Dining Hall - 1010 W Illinois St, Urbana, IL 61801
RSO Affiliate Diwali Events
The Indian Graduate Student Association is holding their annual lighting of the Quad in collaboration with the AACC. This year's celebration will consist of home-cooked food, music, and the beautiful lighting of the Quad.
- Date: November 11, 2023
- Time: 5:30-10:30 pm
- Main Quad - 607 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
Recap:
For the 2023 Diwali celebration, AACC sponsored the enchanting "Diwali on the Quad," a vibrant event meticulously hosted by one of our esteemed RSO affiliates, the UIUC Indian Graduate Students Association.
Check out this compelling article penned by the Daily Illini's Sofia Marin. It beautifully illuminates the essence of Diwali, delving into its rich customs, traditions, and the diverse cultural experiences of our students.
Link to article:
https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/2023/11/11/illinois-diwali-2023/
2022
2022 Diwali: Themed Dinner Celebration
The Asian American Cultural Center partners with University of Illinois dining in presenting an annual Diwali-themed dinner, which includes traditional South Asian food and desserts, and encourages student groups to perform as well as interact with students about the holiday as well.
Learn about the festival of lights, eat traditional South Asian food and desserts, and watch performances!
- Date: Monday, October 24th, 2022
- Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
- Illinois Street Residence (lower level)
1010 W. Illinois St., Urbana IL 61801
Presented by University Housing and the Asian American Cultural Center. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee.
2021
2021 Diwali: Themed Dinner Celebration
University Housing & Asian American Cultural Center
Learn about the festival of lights and eat traditional South Asian food and desserts!
- Date: November 4, 2021
- Time: 5-6:30 pm
- Ikenberry Commons 1st Floor of The SDRP
301 E. Gregory Dr. Champaign, IL 61820
RSO Affiliate Diwali Events
The Indian Graduate Student Association is holding their annual lighting of the Quad, where they fill the entire Main Quad with lights to represent the diyas, or the lights, of Diwali. The event will take place October 30th, 2021, from 6-10pm and more details can be found on their Facebook page.
For all who are celebrating, the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of Central Illinois will be hosting a prayer service, or the Sri Maha Laxmi Pooja on November 14th, 2021. For more information, visit their event site.
2019
University Housing in collaboration with the Asian American Cultural Center presents ...
2019 Diwali: Dinner Celebration
- Date: October 28, 2019
- 4:30-8 pm, Ikenberry Dining Hall
- 4:45-6:30 pm, Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall
2019 Garba Raas Bhangra
The Indian Student Association will be hosting Garba Raas Bhangra 2019 on Oct. 25th 6pm-9:30pm at ARC MP6. Bring your i-card for FREE admission to a night full of dancing with the entire Urbana-Champaign community! Details about can be found on their Facebook page.