Diwali celebration
Written by Grade 6 Student Kira G.
Diwali is the festival of lights. It celebrates the fight for good over evil, light over darkness. The date changes every year due to the position of the moon, but is usually celebrated in October or November. It originates in India, but people all over the world celebrate Diwali. To prepare for Diwali, many people clean their houses and put up decorations, including oil lamps called diyas. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras (Day of Fortune), the second is Naraka Chaturdasi (Day of Knowledge), the third is Diwali (Day of Light), the fourth is Annakut (New Year), and finally Bhai Duj (Day of Love Between Siblings). Traditionally, people exchange gifts and sweets, gather together to eat, wear new clothes, and watch awesome displays of fireworks.
The fifth graders prepared a special celebration for Diwali. They have been learning about Ancient India. On Wednesday, November fourth, the fifth graders shared their reflections about Ancient India. They went down to the gym to put on a dance with dandiya sticks. Then they went outside and the parents followed and the parents followed, carrying the diyas. Outside, the fifth graders picked up pieces of chalk and started shaping the rangolis. With Mr. Norbrega helping, they filled in the shapes with coloured sand. Afterward, they carried the diyas and put them around the rangolis. During the making of the rangolis, Dana B., a parent in Grade Five, said,” They are doing amazing!"
Sonia, Grades 5 and 7 parent, and Rahul, a Grade 5 parent, were asked about their experience with Diwali.
What does Diwali mean to you?
Sonia: “It means a time to evoke courage, love and community.”
Rahul: “It means a time when family and community celebrate with colour and light.”
Do you celebrate Diwali at home? What do you do?
Sonia: “We do celebrate Diwali. We meet family and friends, pray and give blessings.”
Rahul: “First we clean the house, then we put lots of colour up. Next we put candles around the house, then we prepare food and eat it, and finally we listen to music.”
Where did you grow up?
Sonia: “I grew up in Canada.”
Rahul: “I grew up in Delhi, India.”
What do you eat on Diwali?
Sonia: “We eat no meat on Diwali, but we do eat a lot of sweets.”
Rahul: “We eat a lot of sweets. We also eat savoury and salty food, and we eat big meals.”
From the classroom to the schoolyard to the dinner table, Diwali is a celebration of light, love and community.
