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Diwali Celebrations 2020
At BestStart Manukau, our tamariki had an amazing experience of celebrating Diwali this year. We started to share stories about this significant event and made diyas, rangoli, firework art, sweets, and henna designs ahead of time as there was a lot to learn and experience. Our tamariki learnt that Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu culture and got to know of the story behind its significance.
The tamariki learnt that on the day of Diwali, Lord Ram had returned home to his kingdom after spending 14 years in exile. All the people in the kingdom celebrated his arrival by cleaning and decorating their houses, lighting diyas, making rangoli, dressing up, singing and dancing. Hindus also believe that the goddess Laxmi, who is the goddess of wealth also visits each household and blesses them with wealth for the coming year. Lastly, Hindus also perceive Diwali as their new year. Hindu people invite friends and family or go and visit them and share sweets and wish each other the best for the year ahead.
As the date of the celebration came nearer our tamariki practiced dancing to some Bollywood and Diwali songs. They absolutely loved getting henna designs done on their palms prior to the function. The children also helped to make Diwali sweets to share with parents and to take home. It was so awesome to see all our children come dressed in their cultural clothes on the day of their function. It was a great celebration as the parents came along to see the children perform, enjoy some Indian food and snacks and join into the Bollywood dance. Thank you to all our tamariki and the parents for helping us in celebrating Diwali and creating such a joyous atmosphere