Happy Diwali from the ELL Teachers
There are many stories about Diwali, and they celebrate the light over darkness. Diwali means "rows of lighted lamps," and it's commonly known as the "festival of lights." Wherever Diwali is being celebrated you will see shops, houses and public places decorated with lights and oil lamps, called diyas.
People celebrate this festival by decorating homes, making rangoli, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, offering prayers, and enjoying festive fireworks. Diwali symbolizes light over darkness, it is a joyful time of connecting with family and friends, and traditionally some families celebrate this festival over five days. Each family celebrates this beautiful time in their own way.
Sukhdeep, Harjit and Kawal
Lights for Gita - a 7 minute animation
This animated short is the story of Gita, an 8-year-old girl who can't wait to celebrate Divali - the Hindu festival of lights - in her new home in Canada. But it's nothing like New Delhi, where she comes from. The weather is cold and grey and a terrible ice storm cuts off the power, ruining her plans for a party. Obviously, a Divali celebration now is impossible. Or is it? As Gita experiences the glittering beauty of the icy streets outside, the traditional festival of lights comes alive in a sparkling new way.
This book explores some of the foods, celebrations, traditions and the meaning of Diwali. The book follows the story of Binny, a young girl who is excited to share her culture and traditions with her classmates. After feeling nervous and worried about sharing in front of others, Binny finds strength through the meaning of Diwali and the light of the Diyas. This is an excellent way to introduce Diwali to your class or your own children, or to celebrate a culture that is well known to your class.
Garibaldi Secondary School, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada