Diwali

Ever since I learnt about Diwali at primary school, I have wanted to experience it for myself. Also referred to as the Festival of Light, Hindu teachings tell us that earthen lamps (known as diyas) were lit and firecrackers set off to celebrate the return of Lord Rama, after 14 years in exile and his defeat of the demon king Ravana. These traditions have continued to the present, with Diwali becoming the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar.

Billed as 'Indian Christmas', anticipation has been building in Dhrangadhra and at school for weeks, as fairylights and decorations have been put up, street stalls have emerged and cards have been made. The children have been in heights of giddiness, as the 'end-of-term fever' set in, making teaching somewhat difficult.

At Srirajni, the festivities culminated with a special school celebration on the evening of the last day of term. Arriving early, the older students and teachers were divided into groups, with each group given the task of producing a rangoli. Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form consisting of  symbolic designs made from coloured sand/pigments, which are used to decorate public areas during Diwali. Dotted around school, the bright colours and intricate designs were truly beautiful. Alongside rangolis, little red footprints, representing those of the Goddess Lakhshmi, were painted outside doorways, diyas were lit and fairylights were turned on. By the time darkness descended and the younger children had arrived, the school was awash in light and colour.

Sweets were shared and the evening was brought to a close with a fireworks display. Needless to say, my first experience of Diwali did not disappoint.