Diwali shone brightly at BestStart Māngere East as tamariki, whānau, and kaiako celebrated with traditional dress, creative activities, stories, and a shared kai. With teachers and families who observe Diwali, our children learned about culture, community, and connection in a meaningful way.
At BestStart Māngere East, Diwali is a vibrant and meaningful cultural celebration that brings joy and learning to our centre. This special festival gives our children, teachers, and wider community the opportunity to come together to explore and experience Diwali traditions in a hands-on, interactive way.
Throughout the week, our tamariki dress in beautiful, colourful clothing, engage in creative art and craft activities, and participate in games that reflect the spirit of the festival.
We are especially proud that three of our teachers — Rose, Evlyn, and Manpreet — personally celebrate Diwali, sharing their family traditions and stories with the children. With more than 10 whānau in our centre also celebrating Diwali, these experiences support tamariki to develop understanding, respect, and appreciation for different cultures.
On Friday, we host a shared kai where everyone enjoys tasting a variety of traditional sweets and treats. This is always a highlight, as the children explore new flavours and celebrate alongside their friends and teachers.
Our Diwali celebration at BestStart Māngere East is more than just a festival — it is a wonderful chance to strengthen connections, honour cultural traditions, and celebrate with our whānau and kaiako.