Year 2 create Rangoli patterns for Diwali

Diwali Celebrations

The Year 2s learnt about how and why people celebrate Diwali.

The children got to decorate their classrooms and got to draw their own Rangoli patterns which are traditional Indian patterns, usefully placed on the floor to bring good luck for the Hindu new year.

Miss Whitby added “The children in Sky Class had a wonderful day learning about how and why Diwali is celebrated. It is wonderful to be able to learn about different cultures and experience different celebrations in a memorable way. Well done Year 2!”

Diwali

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". TheHindu Festival of Lights and is celebrated to symbolise “victory of light over dark.” This year, it began on 5 November and lasted for five days, with the main day of celebrations taking place on 7 November.

Houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas. People also enjoy fireworks and sweets too, so it's really popular with children.

Traditions
- Many lights and oil lamps are lit on the streets and in houses
- People visit their relatives and have feasts
- Fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the occasion
- Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is worshipped as the bringer of blessings for the new year