As part of the Around the World in Two Semesters cultural marathon, more than 700 international students from India studying at Penza State University celebrated the Navratri holiday. The event was held on 25 October. 

The celebration took place at the Temp sports complex. 

National holidays and cultural days are organised as part of cultural and adaptation events to introduce students to the cultures and traditions of different countries. Navratri, the most significant holiday in Hinduism, enjoys a good tradition of annual celebration at the university. 

The name of the holiday, Navratri, was composed of two words – ‘nav’ and ‘ratri’ – with the meaning of ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit. Navratri consists of nine special nights dedicated to transforming negative life energy into positive. 

‘Navratri is one of the brightest and most spectacular events in the lives of students from India and other countries. This year, the event was also celebrated by student activists of the Institute of International Cooperation, who regard Navratri as a particularly exotic holiday. Representatives of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan were dressed in Indian national costumes and shared their joyful and celebrative mood with their Indian peers. All of this – in the Sura Region! What is this, if not the most accurate and vivid illustration of the friendship of peoples?’ - Sergey Ivanchin, Head of the International Education Office of the Institute of International Cooperation, greeted all participants. 

At the end of the celebration, event organisers held an award ceremony in the categories of Best Dancer and Best Costume. 

‘We are very happy that, thousands of miles from our home, we have an opportunity not only to pursue high-quality education, but also celebrate our holidays on such a large scale. Such hospitality makes us love this country even more and motivates us to study harder. Thanks to the PSU administration for these opportunities,’ - Ketul Patel, an Indian student, shared his impressions.