Diwali always falls sometime between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.
This year, Diwali is on Monday 24th October, which unfortunately for us, falls during half term. However, we celebrated Diwali today, 20th October, in school so that pupils could learn about this religious festival. Embracing our differences, in particular, our cultures, religions, languages and traditions enables our pupils to have a better understanding of the diversity in our communities.
The word Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’. Diwali is also more commonly known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called ‘diyas’. The lights are to encourage the Goddess of Luck, Lakshmi, to visit and bring blessings and wealth in the New Year. Different regions celebrate different stories of Diwali. In South Asia, they tell the story of Rama and Sita returning to Ayodhya after having been exiled for many years. The row of lights were lit by the town’s people to help them find their way home.
Pupils were treated to a wonderful lunch produced by our Catering team.
- Indian Savoury Mix
- Chicken Korma
- Saffron Rice
- Mini Poppadoms
- Chapati/Naan Bread
- Chickpeas & Vegetable Korma (veg option)
- Coconut Ice Cream
- Raita (greek yogurt/cucumber/tomato/onion)
- Pomegranate Salad with Pomegranate Molasses