Diwali

Assembly Ideas

Background Information

	Diwali (festival of lights) is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs although the origins o the celebrations differ considerably.
	The Hindu Diwali, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, commemorates the victory of Rama over the demon king, Ravanna, and his triumphant return from exile with his wife Sita. Hindus believe Sita to be the earthly manifestation of Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu the sun-god. Worship at the mandir on the eve of Diwali is especially devoted to Lakshmi, who is believed to bring 'health, power, victory and happiness to all those upon whom she smiles'.
	On Diwali itself the temple is brightly decorated and filled with lighted candles, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and providing a reminder of the better side of human nature
	Sikhs celebrate Divali by commemorating the arrival in Amritsar, the city of the sacred Golden Temple, of Guru Har Gobind, the sixth Guru, in the early seventeenth century CE after being freed from captivity and himself freeing 52 innocent Hindu princes.
	To celebrate this story, Sikhs light up the whole of the Golden Temple complex and enjoy spectacular firework displays illuminating the night sky. Treasure and weapons used by the Gurus are exhibited while in other parts of the world, candles are lit symbolising the special occasion.

Class and Assembly ideas

	Contact can be made with the local mandir, who will often visit the schools to organise a structured programme including music, dance, a study of traditional designs and patterns, and cooking from Indian recipes.
	The story of Rama and Sita can be dramatised, set to music, or used as a stimulus for painting and craft activity. For a summary of the story, try www.bl.uk/exhibitions/mythical/rama.html
	Children will enjoy making Parshad, the traditional Sikh sweet passed around among worshippers at the end of services in the gurdwara. (Active Assemblies p.60 has the recipe.)

Much of this information was taken from the book Active Assemblies Through the Year written by Ian Addis. Click here for more information on this book.