Diwali At IIM Bodh Gaya
As the crisp autumn air heralded the arrival of Diwali, the campus of IIM Bodh Gaya underwent a magical transformation into a vibrant tapestry of lights and laughter, narrating a tale of tradition and togetherness.
The day ended. As the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, I awoke to the anticipation of a Diwali away from the familiar embrace of home. My heart echoed with the longing for the fragrant memories of Diwali’s past – the comforting scent of jasmine flowers and the sacred aroma of sandalwood paste from the temple back home. As I stumbled through the hostel corridors, I could see the hostel adorned with lights and colorful decorations that seemed to whisper tales of celebration and joy. The shared excitement among my peers was palpable. Despite the physical distance from home, a communal spirit began to weave its way into the fabric of the IIM Bodh Gaya family.
As the minutes trickled by, the hostel corridors became a hub of activity. Each of us were busy with our own decisions regarding what to wear for the night. The mess kitchen attempted to recreate the magic of home-made Diwali sweets and the air became thick with the aroma of the delicacies. Gifting became a language of gratitude. Nostalgia lingered in the air as my friends and I gathered for a makeshift Diwali puja. The flickering diyas and incense cast a warm glow on our faces and gave solace in the shared celebration of tradition. As the prayers were chanted, the campus resonated with an optimistic energy.
This particular night, the campus was lit up with the crackling symphony of fireworks – a modern twist to age-old traditions. Lanterns and lamps adorned the pathways, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The twinkling lights symbolized more than just the festival; they represented the unity that bridged cultural gaps and geographic distances. Each flicker of light told a story – a shared story of joy and celebration in the tapestry of student life at IIM Bodh Gaya.
As I navigated my way through this first Diwali away from home, the collective celebration compensated for the physical distance away from home. The IIM Bodh Gaya family became my extended family, and Diwali, rather than being a mere festival of lights, became a celebration of the inner light that resides within each student. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the shared journey illuminated the campus in a way that surpassed the glow of any diya.
And so, in the heart of IIM Bodh Gaya, traditions met modernity, and the tapestry of togetherness was woven with threads of laughter and shared stories. The realization that Diwali wasn’t just about being away from home; it was about finding a new home, a home where traditions found a modern expression, and where the light within each student illuminated the collective journey at this esteemed institution. It was a happy Diwali indeed in IIM Bodh Gaya where the celebration of togetherness transcended individual boundaries!
Author: Ananya Sharma
About the Author: Student of IPM-02
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