Browse Exhibits (2 total)
HARJIT KAUR SIDHU MEMORIAL ANNUAL PROGRAM- PHOTO EXHIBITION
The Harjit Kaur Sidhu Memorial Program is an annual event in the honour of a woman who dreamed of spreading and celebrating the Punjabi language, literature and culture in B.C. The main aim of this annual event is to showcase the important new scholarship in the Punjabi language and culture to the students, members of the community and to the broader audience of Vancouver.
Students are highly encouraged in this event by awarding them for their contribution in learning and using the Punjabi language through various mediums of expression. They are also praised for their immense achievements in their mission to enrich themselves and the people around them in the rich Punjabi culture and language.
DIWALI CELEBRATIONS- PHOTO EXHIBITION
Diwali or Deepavali, which means “a row of lights”, is the most widely celebrated festival in India and throughout the Indian diaspora. It is celebrated on Amavasya (darkest night or no moon day) during the Hindu Lunisolar month of Kartika. It usually takes place at the end of October or the first week of November.
Diwali marks the victory of "good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance" and the beginning of the New Year in India. The festival is widely associated with Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of Prosperity. But all over India, in the regional level, there are different traditional associations to Diwali, such as Ram and Sita, Vishnu, Krishna, Yama, or Yami.
The festival celebration, which typically lasts from five to seven days, is celebrated by several South Asian Communities, and by the majority of Indians regardless of faith, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians. On Diwali, people clean their houses, decorate their houses and workplace with diyas, candles, rangoli as well as colourful lights, and they share gifts and perform puja (worship). Eventually people partake in Diwali feasts, which involves sharing of mithais (sweets) and gifts.
The Diwali Celebrations in UBC Asian Library has been known for its abundance of soulful and energetic performances of dancing and singing. It gives everyone an insight into the festival of lights that is Diwali. The audience for the most part is pulled towards the performances and also take in the cultural aspects of Diwali in India with much enthusiasm. The students and staff work together during this time to give some very graceful and fun-filled performances, and try and ensure that this special period of Diwali Celebrations is a memorable one for all.