Diwali is one of the major religious festivals in Hindu, Jainism and Sikhism which celebrates the new year. Diwali is a major holiday in India, but celebrated by people all around the world as well. The holiday is often called the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In celebration of Diwali we made our own Diyas in November. Before making the Diyas we watched a short video explaining to the preschoolers all about Diwali and the traditions that comes along with the holiday. It explained how families clean and decorate their house with beautiful lights such as Diyas. They celebrate with their families and friends. First, we made paper Diyas, using glue, and colourful beads. Nyra told us she celebrates Diwali and that they clean the house and put beautiful blue, red, yellow, purple, and more blue lights up. She also told her friends that she was getting lots of rainbow lollipops and chocolate too. That evening the preschoolers were so excited to show their diya to their parents and talk about Diwali. The next day our Conestoga College student Gurpreet who celebrates Diwali brought in clay Diyas in for the children to paint. This was very fun and exciting to make their very own Diya and to be able to take them home and share with their families about what they learned about the Diwali holiday.
