Namaskar is the Dharmic religious club on campus, dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Open to anyone interested, Namaskar offers a welcoming community where students can connect, learn and experience the depth of Dharmic culture through inclusive, meaningful events and gatherings. Namaskar’s mission extends beyond religious practice; it’s about creating a supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can come together to appreciate cultural diversity and build connections with others.
The club’s mission is twofold: to create a supportive space for religious observance and to introduce the Brandeis community to the richness of Dharmic traditions. “Our hope is to replicate at least 1% of the enjoyment students might have with their family back home,” shares Deyaan Guha ‘26, the vice president of Namaskar. This sentiment captures the core of Namaskar’s purpose, providing a sanctuary where students can come together to share, learn and celebrate. For those unfamiliar with Dharmic traditions, Namaskar offers a welcoming invitation to experience these celebrations through cultural events, food and festivities.
Events are the cornerstone of Namaskar, with Guha noting, “I joined Namaskar because I was drawn to its events and the overall atmosphere of the club.” One of Namaskar’s hallmark events is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated in the fall semester. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and Namaskar’s Diwali celebration allows students to take part in this tradition by sharing a meal and dancing together. Though Brandeis prevents traditional fireworks, Namaskar brings the spirit of Diwali to campus with its focus on community and joy. Sharan Reddy ‘26, the Social Media Coordinator for Namaskar, reflects on the experience, explaining, “We wanted to create a night where people could celebrate Diwali with their peers,” providing a unique blend of cultural tradition and campus spirit.
Along with Diwali, Namaskar also hosts Garba, a night of traditional Indian folk dancing where students can dress up in vibrant attire and immerse themselves in the rhythms of cultural music. Reddy highlights the joy of seeing students in cultural attire enjoying the night, an image that captures the club’s spirit of openness and joy.
In addition to hosting larger events, Namaskar embraces smaller celebrations and collaborative efforts, such as their partnership with the Brandeis Pottery Club for Ganesh Chaturthi, which is the celebration of Lord Ganesha. During this event, students create clay diyas, which are small lamps that are central to Diwali celebrations. These collaborations not only bring more depth to the events but also foster a spirit of unity across different student groups. Namaskar has also worked with Sangha, a spiritual club on campus, a number of times for events to create spaces for shared reflection and celebration.
Looking ahead to the spring semester, Namaskar will host Holi, the Festival of Colors. This event is eagerly anticipated, as it brings the campus community together for a lively, colorful celebration. Holi is an outdoor gathering that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Reddy explains, “Holi is our biggest event, and it’s celebrated by playing a game and throwing colorful powder at each other,” a vibrant, unifying experience that brings joy to everyone involved.
Whether students attend events for religious reflection, cultural celebration or simply the chance to connect, Namaskar offers something valuable to everyone. As Guha puts it, Namaskar’s events foster “a feeling of appreciation for another culture.” For students who participate regularly in religious events, the club brings a welcome sense of familiarity, allowing them to find comfort and happiness through shared experiences.
Students interested in being a part of Namaskar are encouraged to follow the club’s Instagram, @brandeisnamaskar, and to sign up for its mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events and activities. Students can also reach out with their own ideas for the club or express interest via email, adding to the collaborative spirit that makes Namaskar a cherished part of the Brandeis community. Whether you’re interested in Dharmic culture or simply in becoming a part of a welcoming community, Namaskar is the club for you.
