With Diwali bringing light, warmth, and togetherness to every corner, we’re exploring how students celebrate this festival away from home.
From decorating small hostel rooms to finding joy in shared moments, these stories capture the heart of youth, independence, and festive spirit.
In conversation with Kunwar Gaurav Giri, Chairperson of Annapurna Girls Hostel, we learn how the hostel transforms into a second home for students during Diwali, fostering community, creativity, and care. Below are the responses shared by Mr. Giri.
1. How do you ensure the hostel feels like home during Diwali for students who are away from their families?
“We know that emotional occasions such as Diwali can be challenging for students staying away from home,” says Kunwar Gaurav Giri. “Many of our girls study at universities nearby, like Sharda University or other institutes across Greater Noida. To recreate a homely atmosphere, we decorate the hostel with diyas, lights, and flowers, and everyone joins in making sweets, playing music, and sharing stories.”
According to Giri, doing so helps to replicate the feeling of family through laughter and celebration. Even though they may be away from home, the heart of Diwali is felt right here.
2. What does the Diwali celebration look like at the hostel – from décor to activities?
“At Annapurna Girls Hostel, Diwali is always special. The entire hostel lights up with diyas, rangolis, and handmade decorations crafted by the girls themselves,” he shares.
“Students make sweets, design photo corners, and prepare for the evening puja. Afterwards, we enjoy games, music, and dinner under the open sky. It’s not just a celebration – it’s an experience that brings together students from across India, giving them the chance to share their regional traditions and create lasting memories.”
3. What measures are being taken to make the celebrations more sustainable and eco-friendly?
“We strongly believe that celebrations can be joyful and responsible,” says Giri. “We’ve committed to a green Diwali by avoiding plastic decorations and using only natural materials like clay diyas, flowers, and paper lanterns.
Giri mentioned that they try to completely avoid firecrackers to ensure a peaceful and clean celebration. Additionally, students are encouraged to use LED lights and minimal use of electricity.
According to him, these small acts help students understand that sustainability adds deeper meaning to the festival.
4. Diwali celebrations are incomplete without good food and sweets. What does your festive menu include during this time?
“Each festival has its own traditional delicacies, and Diwali is no exception,” he smiles. “Our kitchen prepares special dishes like gulab jamun, jalebi, kheer, and a spread of North Indian favourites.”
Students often bring recipes from home, and we cook and serve them together ‘family-style.’ These shared meals not only bring joy to the table but also strengthen the sense of belonging the food warms both the stomach and the heart, Gaurav added.
5. Festivals are meant to bring people together. How do you make sure every student participates and enjoys the celebration with full enthusiasm?
“At Annapurna Girls Hostel, inclusion is at the core of every celebration,” Giri explains.
“Before Diwali, we form small groups so students can plan decorations, cooking, and performances together. This helps break the ice between new and old residents. We encourage even the shy ones to join in, whether by singing, dancing, or helping with organisation.”
Gaurav also mentioned that over time, these celebrations have created a strong sense of sisterhood among young women studying in Noida and Greater Noida. They may be away from home, but here, they have a home of their own.
