CCVI holds second annual Diwali formal event
November 27, 2023
Guelph, ON – Last week, students and staff at Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute (CCVI) let their lights shine as they commenced their Diwali Dinner and Dance with a candle lighting ceremony.
During Diwali, lighting candles is a universal sign of hope, peace, love and unity. Traditional Diyas (candles) were lit by Principal Joe Burns, Vice Principals Albert Boutin and Christine Guadagnolo, UGDSB Principal of Equity & Inclusion Sherwyn Solomon, and Desi Club Supervisor Shailja Pandey.
Burns opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone and spoke about how the world needs “more light, love, hope, happiness & knowledge during these difficult times.”
The event was hosted by CCVI’s Desi Club – which accepts all students who are interested in joining and learning more about Desi culture. A diverse mix of Centennial students attended, dressed in their formal wear, and they enjoyed a full buffet dinner that was catered by local restaurant Bollywood Bistro and the colourful decor that was set up by local decor company Three D Party Decor.
The cultural program consisted of South Asian dance performances by Centennial students including a Tamil (South Indian) dance, a Bihu (Assamese) traditional dance, a Bollywood Fusion Kathak (North Indian) dance and two Bhangra (Punjabi) dances.
Special guest performers from Guelph’s own G9 Bhangra Dance Academy closed out the program with an energetic finale number. The positive energy and excitement was palpable and contagious as students loudly cheered on their peers as they performed.
“It was incredible to see so many students of many different ethnicities come together as they danced and partied together throughout the evening,” said Desi Club Supervisor, Shailja Pandey.
The event was made possible by the hard work of CCVI’s Desi Club students. Desi Club’s teacher supervisors, Shailja Pandey, Rachna Sophat and Kiran Denis – who were impressed with the dedication and hard work that the students put into this event.
