Experiencing the Joy of Diwali

Diwali is a festive, five-day celebration that took place this year from November 12-16 and is considered to be one of the biggest Hindu holidays in India. Known as the festival of lights, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The holiday is marked with song, prayer, lamp lighting, decorative outfits and lavish feasts. 

“Once we are done praying, we go and eat some of the most delicious dishes I have ever eaten. We have poori, chennai, roti, halva and laddu,” said Sharma.

After showing an informative slideshow, Sharma demonstrated how to create design patterns called rangolis, traditionally made with colored sand.

“She spearheaded our celebration by bringing in rangolis from home, and telling those of us who helped her, about the stories of Diwali,” said faculty advisor and middle school language teacher Brittany Farrar.

While Sherma cherishes all her family’s traditions, her favorite is her father’s fireworks display. “All the kids light sparklers, and watch the fireworks go,” she said.

Farrar added, “Serena did a great job helping all of us learn a little more about how and why Diwali is celebrated.”