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Saumya, a fellow student from India studying in the same program, shared her love for Japanese culture, mentioning how she grew up watching children's anime like "Doraemon." She even attempted to learn Japanese and how to use chopsticks. Intrigued by her background, I asked her about Diwali, a major festival in her country.
Diwali, often referred to as the Hindu New Year celebration, is a festival spanning five days, typically observed between October and November. The exact dates vary each year. During this time, people create vibrant designs called Rangoli on their floors, using colored powders to adorn their homes.
Another unique tradition of Diwali is lighting oil lamps called Diya and keeping them lit throughout the festival. When I asked if maintaining the light was challenging, Saumya shared an intriguing detail — no matter how strong the wind blows during Diwali, the lamps mysteriously remain lit.
In terms of food, traditional sweet treats are served, adding a delicious element to the celebrations. The nights are lively with fireworks and firecrackers, creating a festive atmosphere. However, Saumya also pointed out the downsides, such as noise, waste, and smoke pollution.
India's festivals retain a deeply religious essence, making them distinctly different from those in Japan. Hearing about Diwali was fascinating, and I hope to experience it in person someday.
Beautifully patterned Rangoli.
In the foreground are Diyas (oil lamps), and in the background, traditional Indian sweets and offerings placed on banana leaves
MATHUR Saumya
(Nickname: Saumya)
College of Sustainability and Tourism
Originally published in Japanese in the morning edition of the Oita Godo Shimbun on July 23, 2024
Based on a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Oita Godo Newspaper, since January 2022, Student PR Assistants (SPA) have been contributing their interviews with international students to the life and culture section of the newspaper’s morning edition. SPA will introduce different cultures and the interesting topics they raise from an authentic, student perspective. These student writers take this opportunity to get the newspaper’s readership and students interested in the world. They also aim to improve their skills with the aid of professional editors.
Hello! My name is Manaka, a second-year student majoring in the College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST). I love reading books, which led me to join the SPA. As a member of the ST1 cohort, I aim to write about the appeal of our department and my upcoming study abroad experience in Sweden starting from fall '24. Thank you in advance for your support.
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