Celebrating Diwali with Our Whānau at BestStart Mosgiel

This Diwali, the Festival of Lights, was a special celebration guided by the knowledge, generosity, and aroha of our families.

We were honoured to welcome one of our whānau into the centre to share a treasured Diwali tradition - making Besan Laddoo, a delicious sweet made from chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar. The children were fascinated by the process and loved being part of the experience, engaging their senses through the smells, textures, and tastes of this traditional treat.

Adding to the festive spirit, one of our wonderful volunteers worked alongside the tamariki to create vibrant Rangoli patterns. Using coloured sand, the children explored symmetry, colour, and design, learning that Rangoli is a symbol of welcome and good fortune during Diwali.

Throughout the week, our learning spaces were alive with art experiences inspired by the themes of light, colour, and celebration. From diya lamp painting to firework collages, the children expressed their creativity while learning about the significance of Diwali in a hands-on, joyful way. These experiences are deeply connected to our localised curriculum and our commitment to Te Whāriki, particularly the strands of Belonging – Mana Whenua and Contribution – Mana Tangata.

By celebrating Diwali, we are fostering a sense of belonging for our Indian whānau and helping all children develop respect for diversity and an appreciation of different cultures and traditions. As part of our ongoing journey, we continue to create a learning environment where every child and their whānau feel seen, heard, and valued.

Celebrations like Diwali are not just events - they are opportunities to build connections, share stories, and grow together as a community.

Ngā mihi nui to our whānau who shared their culture with us. Your presence and participation enrich our centre and help us nurture tamariki who are confident, connected, and culturally aware.