Celebrating Diwali

In Week Four we celebrated Diwali as a school.

Throughout the week, students in all Hubs investigated how and why Diwali is celebrated through sharing stories and food, activities and listening to the expert knowledge of our Indian students. The week ended with a mufti day where all students came in their own celebration clothes.

Diwali is a Hindu festival that is celebrated throughout India and amongst Indian diaspora around the world. The festival lasts five day, with Diwali being celebrated on the 3rd day. This year, Diwali started on the Monday of Week Four and ended on the Friday. Diwali is celebrated for many reasons. It marks the start of a New Year and the coming together of families. Stories are told about good conquering evil, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and how paths made out diyas were lit to lead an exiled Prince back home. 

To celebrate Diwali at school each Hub planning learning sessions and activities. In Koru Hub we made indian sweets to share, rangoli to put up around the school and learned about the story of Rama and Sita. On Friday we came together as school to watch a presentation created by our Indian students. This was followed by an afternoon of activities within whanau buddy whanau groups. These activities included listening to stories, watching Indian dances, completing rangoli and making paper flowers.

A highlight of the week was being able to feel curiosity flowing through the Hubs. Students would ask each other if they celebrated Diwali and how they celebrated it. Conversations turned into how each student celebrated the New Year or family in their own ways. 

We want to thank and acknowledge the Asia NZ Foundation for providing funding which allowed us to buy decorations to celebrate the event.

By Rachael van Rij

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