Celebrating Diwali at Kimihia Early Learning Centre

Celebrating Diwali helps us to strengthen a sense of belonging and acknowledge the unique cultural identities of children who are living away from their place of origin, which we all know plays a fundamental role in the development of children.

At Kimihia, we commemorate Diwali by incorporating various elements of the festivities. We know the value of sharing each of our families’ uniquely different cultures and traditions and we carefully plan to enhance the mana of the Indian community in the centre. Every year we have something new and exciting for our tamariki and community to learn about the richness of one of the oldest cultures in the world and showcase some of the valued family traditions.

Preparation 

In the days leading up to our celebration, all children helped to make decorations, teachers set up lights around the centre and we had permission slips signed from the parents for henna tattoos (for health and safety reasons). The weeks leading up to the day also had fun activities for tamariki such as applying henna, painting clay oil lamps (diya) and creating Rangoli (geometric artworks made of flowers, coloured powders and grains). Pooja Suryawanshi, a parent at our centre, and our student teacher Divyanka Rai created a magnificent Rangoli pattern at the entrance of our centre.

Diwali is also a time for unity, and we take the opportunity to invite those who form our community to take part in the festivities. This includes police officers, ambulance paramedics and support services, individuals who have supported us to create a truly exciting learning community, and members of local and national government. The Te Aratai Young Parents College also play a key part in our local community and Diwali festivities, making this celebration truly one that incorporates all whānau.

The Big Day

The day of celebration started with a Gāyatrī Mantra, a sacred mantra to the god Savitr, protector of all beings. Some teachers performed dances to Bollywood music, including the Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu state, and Te Aratai students performed a Bhangra traditional folk dance from Punjab state. Kaiako shared stories about Diwali which supported children to better understand the culture. Children were encouraged to wear dress from their own culture, and teachers dressed in traditional Indian attire.

All attendees were treated to a traditional feast for this years’ special Diwali lunch. The menu included popular, much requested favourites like Mango Lassi, Butter Chicken, Chickpea Curry and the rice and meat delicacy, Biriyani, accompanied with crispy Fryums and cool cucumber raita. The lunch concluded on a sweet note, with the popular Indian rendition of rice pudding – cardamom infused Kheer.

The day was a great success and had a really nice community feel to it, with music and decorations that truly brought Diwali to life for our whānau. The buzz will be felt for weeks!

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