Celebrating Diwali

This week we focused on Diwali: the Hindu festival of light! Diwali is the biggest and most important holiday for people of Hindu faith; the festival is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians. Families celebrate with gatherings, glittering clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, sharing of sweets and worship.Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.

Early exposure to different cultures allows for young children to develop a greater perspective of their world. 

When children learn and experience practices and beliefs different from their own they acquire a sense of global citizenship. Our goal as educators is to foster a sense of understanding and respect for all people through knowledge. When children see themselves and their cultures reflected in what they are learning it gives them a sense of pride and confidence. The more we learn about how other families and communities live the more we recognize the many similarities in our own families, communities and values.



As a class, we furthered our understanding about Diwali and India through songs about light, a video clip about Diwali, creating our own clay lights, reading books about India and using beautiful fabric in the dramatic play center to make saris.

 Parents: What kinds of traditions or customs do you practice in your family? Have you ever traveled and experienced different customs first hand? Do you remember learning about cultures around the world when you were in school? Leave us a comment!