“Happy Diwali and Happy New Year” – this was the greeting Indian students extended to the guests of the event held in PSU canteen on October 25th, 2017.

The celebration of the Hindu New Year has already become traditional for international students, faculty and staff in Penza State University. This was the fifth time PSU organised the festival.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn. It is the biggest and the most important holiday in India. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

Boys and girls wearing colourful traditional clothing, master classes in Mehndi design and Indian chess play, national songs and dances, Indian drums – all these created the special atmosphere of the festival.

The event was attended by Sergey M. Vasin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Alexander N. Mitroshin, Director of the Medical Institute, Damir Ab. Saldaev, Head of the International Education Office, and Dr. Yu. Solanki. The executives thanked Indian citizens for the invitation in the Russian and English languages and wished everyone a Happy New Year.  They also expressed the wish to see those young people as brilliant doctors, true professionals.

Diwali celebration began with traditional lighting of flame to signify the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.