It is said the word Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” meaning “Rows of lighted lamps”. Historically, it is believed that Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after a long 14-year exile.

The people of Goa celebrate Diwali every year with a lot of excitement and is a time to cherish family and togetherness. Days before the festival, people start preparing for the festival by cleaning their homes to welcome Goddess Laxmi and are seen shopping for clothing, lanterns, diyas etc.

The streets are decorated with lights all across the cities and villages. People adorn their homes with Rangoli, Akaash kandil’s (Lanterns) and diyas as they wait for Goddess Laxmi to visit their homes on Diwali. Also, neighborhoods come together to make gigantic demon statues called Narkasurs which depicts all the evil in the world. These statues would be then torched on the dawn of Diwali marking the triumph of good over evil.On Diwali day people use the opportunity to visit their family and friends and distribute sweets as a symbol of love and respect for their kin.

A few Narkasurs’ seen around Panjim city. 

At JD institute of Fashion Technology Goa, we prepared for a year of prosperity and happiness as we welcomed Goddess Laxmi into our college campus with the belief that she descends to earth and showers us with luck, prosperity and happiness. The management team along with the Cultural team had organised activities for the faculties and students who participated and performed in the same. There was a pooja that was conducted to brighten and begin the festive activities which was held in one of the classrooms. The pooja was done by Mr. Ranjit from our accounts department, along with the student assistance.

The entire JD Goa staff dressed in ethnic attire

Mr. Ranjit Vaigankar (Accounts Department) performing the Laxmi pooja along with the faculty and students

Our enthusiastic students not only stepped forward but also took it a notch up and volunteered to help with the pooja decoration which was done with utmost dedication. The activity that the cultural committee had come up with brought about immense excitement among the students was the Rangoli and Lantern making competition. However the lantern making competition was also a learning experience for the students as they were given the criterias to curate their lantern designs using waste materials in support of sustainable living and design practice. The JEDIIIAN participants  in the competitions were encouraged by their classmates from the sidelines to be the best among all.

Left: BS.C 2021 ID student decorating the Pooja room entrance with Rangoli / Mr. Ranjit 

The 1st place was won by the students from BS.C ID 2019 who made a beautiful peacock Rangoli

A well executed Rangoli done by the students from DFD 2021 which landed them the 3rd place

Students from BS.C ID 2021 won 1st place in the Akash Kandil competition. The lantern as seen in the image was made from scratch with Coir and Wheat strands with an acrylic frame. They executed the “Wealth out of Waste” concept extremely well.

Diwali celebrations, overall, was one of the most joyous and encouraging events that was held at JD Institute Goa, where all students and faculties came together to bring the festivity to life through their laughs and wishes. There is always a constant effort by the management to bring in more activities that not only keep the students interested but also in a way teach and bring in practical knowledge that is taught in the curriculum. At JD Institute every activity that is organised, is done keeping in mind the curriculum, so the concept of fun education is followed.

Compiled and written by: Raisa Dourado (Faculty – Fashion Design)

Picture Credits: Mr. Melroy Mascarenhas (Student – Interior Design) Mr. Fayaz Mohemmed (Asst Prof – Interior Design)