Last Thursday 12 November KTU organised one of the main traditional Indian festivals – Diwali – which is also known as Festival of Lights, and is dedicated to the victory of light over darkness.
KTU and other universities’ students from India together with Honorary Consul of India to Lithuania Mr. Rajinder Kumar Chaudhary and Representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the author of the book “Visos mano Indijos” (All My Indias) Diana Mickevičienė were participants of the festival.
In the beginning of Diwali celebration discussion about the differences between Lithuanian and Indian cultures took place. During the talk Diana Mickevičienė shared her personal experiences: “When I first arrived to Delhi, I was lonely. It took me several months until I got used to the life there. Sometimes it is necessary to step out of your comfort zone. These difficulties enriched me spiritually.”
Soon students started to share their personal feelings, the obstacles which they have met and joys which they experienced. Rajinder Kumar Chaudhary was encouraging students to see the cultural difficulties positively and truly enjoy Lithuanian companionship. “As soon as I arrived to Kaunas all the prejudices disappeared”, added one of the students. Today more than 300 Indians study in Kaunas.
Right after the discussion the worshiping of the goddess of wealth and prosperity has started, which was led by the traditional songs and rituals. Professional Indian dances and traditional food were the breaking points of the festival bringing the Indians back home: “We all were not feeling that we were in foreign country” said Harsh Soni from Gujarat state.
KTU is organising another intercultural event, which is called Taste with Style. National Cuisines and Costumes. The event will take place on 27th November at 2pm in URMAS (Hall No. 21); the entry is free. This event will reveal the variety of KTU students who come from more than 50 different countries to Kaunas inhabitants and guests.
