[ASB-123]
Would you like to practice your Hindi language skill? The Roukema Center for International Education offers Hindi Language Happy Hour every Thursday from 1-2pm in ASB-123. All levels are welcome. Come join us!
For more information, please email goabroad@ramapo.edu or call ext. 7533.

What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning “rows of lighted lamps,” is a Hindu-originated festival celebrated in India and by the Indian diaspora. During the five-day celebration — also known as the “festival of lights” — clay lamps known as diyas are lit to signify the victory of good over evil, according to the Hindu American Foundation.

Over time, Diwali has become a national festival marked by most Indians regardless of faith, with Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs also celebrating. Diwali also celebrates the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. Some believe it falls on her birthday and the day she married Lord Vishnu, another Hindu god.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based on where they live, according to National Geographic. In northern India, they mark the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. In southern India, people celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. In western India, the festival marks the day Lord Vishnu, one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity, sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.

Meanwhile, in Jainism it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, National Geographic reported. And for Sikhs, it celebrates the day a major guru was freed from imprisonment.

What happens during Diwali?
In India and other places where the holiday is celebrated, residents leave their windows and doors open to allow Lakshmi to find her way into their homes, the Independent reported. Every home is lit with diyas, leaving no room for darkness to enter, and doorsteps are decorated to welcome guests, according to the Hindu American Foundation. In addition, many people wear new clothing to thank Lakshmi for providing prosperity and good fortune. And, as evening comes, firecrackers are set off.

Isn’t there some eating involved?
Of course. Throughout the festival, traditional sweets and savory items are eaten as well as full meals, particularly on the third and fifth days, according to the American Hindu Foundation. Among the sweets are diya-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing and savories include mini-samosas and puris. 

[B-127/Topken World Language Lab]
Would you like to practice your Chinese language skill? Chinese Language Hours are offered every Wednesday from 3-5 pm in B-127, World Language Lab. All levels are welcome. Come join us!
For more information, please email goabroad@ramapo.edu or call ext. 7533.

[SC-219/Friend’s Hall] Dr. Jun Zhang, Fulbright Scholar at Ramapo College and full-time professor at Anhui University in China, will discuss the diversity of cultures and languages in China, and how the system of education is structured in China. Refreshments will be served. For more details, please contact William Hooper, Culture Club, at whooper@ramapo.edu.

Sponsored by Culture Club, HGS and Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity.

[ASB-123]
Would you like to practice your Japanese language skill? The Roukema Center for International Education offers Japanese Language Happy Hour every Wednesday from 2-3pm in ASB-123. All levels are welcome. Come join us!
For more information, please email goabroad@ramapo.edu or call ext. 7533.

[ASB230] Come hear the stories and experiences of Ramapo College students who participate in the 2018 Japan & South Korea: Exploring the Harmony of Traditional and Modern Societies (https://ramapo.studioabroad.com/?go=JapanKorea). If interested to participate in the program, the deadline to apply is March 1. Scholarships are available.

[Friends Hall] Come enjoy food, Indian desert, music and a performance by Sukhvir and his troupe.

Culture Day (文化の日 Bunka no Hi) is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academic endeavor. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.

[ASB-123]
Would you like to practice your Japanese language skill? The Roukema Center for International Education offers Japanese Language Happy Hour every Wednesday from 2-3pm in ASB-123. All levels are welcome. Come join us!
For more information, please email goabroad@ramapo.edu or call ext. 7533.

[ASB-123]
Would you like to practice your Japanese language skill? The Roukema Center for International Education offers Japanese Language Happy Hour every Wednesday from 2-3pm in ASB-123. All levels are welcome. Come join us!
For more information, please email goabroad@ramapo.edu or call ext. 7533.