Here at CUHCS we put on a variety of events throughout the year, organising a number of large flagship events throughout the year (check them out below) as well as a plethora of smaller scale events, with plenty of opportunities to get involved at any time! We hope to foster a strong sense of community among Hindu students in Cambridge, and although we are a Hindu society in name all students are welcome to join regardless of their faith! Alcohol is not provided at our events, and all food we serve is vegetarian.
So what kind of events do we have? Well, we have weekly social events, and myriad learning events as well for those who wish to learn more about Hinduism. As for our larger events, as a society we celebrate Garba, Diwali and Holi annually, with each event being well-attended! And who could forget our flagship event, Mastana, an annual cultural gala showcasing our students’ talents, which donates all its proceeds to charity? Stay up-to-date on our events throughout the year subscribing to our newsletter or checking our Instagram, Tiktok or Facebook page.
Flagship events
Garba
CUHCS runs a Garba night early in Michaelmas term, to roughly coincide with the official dates of Navratri each year. Open to veteran garba-goers and newcomers alike, we provide a fun and colourful night of dancing, including workshops on the main steps for people who haven’t been to Garba before, whilst also maintaining the religious nature of the event, performing an aarti on the night, and informing our members of the religious significance of Navratri. Garba Night 2023 was held at Storey’s Field Centre.
Diwali
CUHCS has been celebrating Diwali with style and flair for many years now. This year we gave our members a grand celebration at Roshni, our Diwali Ball in 2023 held at the Guildhall. This featured a three-course Indian meal, as well as stunning performances Cambridge Bollywood Dance Troupe and our very own CUHCS members, followed an open dance floor operated DJ Vars. All CUHCS members are welcome to audition to perform at this year’s Diwali Ball – stay tuned on our social media for updates on when to audition.
Holi
Every year, CUHCS takes to Parker’s Piece in Cambridge for an afternoon of colourful joy in celebration of Holi. All students are welcome to come and join in. Entry is free, and we sell powders, snacks and even white t-shirts before and during the event, so all you have to do is turn up to get involved!
Mastana
Mastana is an annual charity show that celebrates the talent and culture of Cambridge’s South Asian community. The variety show is run students at the University of Cambridge. Presented CUHCS since 1996, Mastana has attracted up to 1000 people and raises thousands of pounds each year for its charities. Click here to find out more about Mastana.
Other events
CUHCS runs many other events, both learning and social, throughout the year. Last year, we had the following events:
- Social events – pani puri night, mehendi night, welfare events
- NHSF sports – competing against Hindu societies across the UK in both regionals and nationals. Last year, CUHCS reached the semi-finals in Kabaddi!
- Picnic, to celebrate the end of exams
- Sanskaari sessions
- Talks and networking events
