In conjunction with Deepavali, our Elementary School students have been learning to appreciate some of the traditions and customs practiced during Deepavali, as well as the story and origins behind the festival.
Also known as Diwali or the ‘Festival of Lights’, this important spiritual holiday is celebrated in either October or November each year and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Our students also learned that during the celebrations many rituals are performed: clay diyas (oil lamps) are lit up as decorations to represent enlightenment and indicate light destroying darkness, flower garlands signify unity in the form of diversity and generosity, and intricately designed Rangoli patterns from colorful materials are displayed at the entrance of homes as a way to welcome good luck.
Thank you to our ES Cultural Coordinator Nalini Krishnan for sharing this wonderful learning experience about the festival with our students and community!