Diwali Celebrations
Last week boys in I Brecht, I Flannigan, and IV Davis learned about and celebrated Diwali, also known as Deepavali, which is India's biggest holiday of the year and is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. The five-day festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Hindus light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.
Thanks to St. Bernard’s parents Reemah S., Sonya T., and Anitha S. for coming to help the boys celebrate by sharing their knowledge of the holiday and by bringing some delicious Diwali treats with them. Ms. Brecht’s class read the book Amma, Tell Me About Diwali, designed and painted diyas (oil lamps), and snacked on samosas and cookies. Mr. Davis’ class watched a presentation about the folk art practice of making rangolis, decorative designs typically made on the floor out of colorful sand or rice. The boys made their mess-free versions on paper with colored pencils. Ms. Flannigan’s class also drew rangolis on paper. Ms. Flannigan read her class the age-old Indianan epic The Ramayana, and they completed their celebration with eating delicious mithai. Ms. Brecht, Ms. Flannigan, and Mr. Davis wish everyone a Happy Diwali!
