By Kashvi Rathor, Year 11
This article is available in both English and Hindi
Article in English
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a Hindu festival of lights. Its date is determined by the Hindu Lunar Calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. It is observed on Amavasya (the New Moon), the 15th day of the 8th month Kartik. Deepavali in Sanskrit means “row of lit lamps.”
The origins of the celebration
In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama killed Ravana (the ten-headed king of demons) and rescued his wife Sita from captivity in Lanka. Along with Sita and his younger brother Laxman, Rama came back to his home in Ayodhya after completing their fourteen years in exile. Deepavali celebrates this mythological tale.
Meaning and traditions
Deepavali signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. A few days before Deepavali, people start cleaning their homes and decorating them with lights and flowers, and beautiful rangoli. On the night of Deepavali, people wear new clothes and perform pooja (worship) of the Goddess Laxmi by offering prayers for good health, wealth, and prosperity. They meet friends and exchange gifts on this day.
Cultural Awareness Week at LGB
Diwali was one of the events celebrated during LGB’s Cultural Awareness Week this year, with celebrations taking place on the 7th of December. On this day, the school was decorated with beautiful flowers hanging from windows in the Grand Batiment and Vieille Maison as well as a lovely rangoli arts display. The cafeteria also served delicious Indian dishes. The highlight of the day of celebrations had to be the flashmob next to the Vieille Maison. Teachers and students from both Secondary and Middle School all danced together in an elaborate choreography throughout the morning break. Some middle school students couldn’t hide their excitement before the start of the flashmob. They expressed how much fun it had been and how they would love to do more events such as these.
The day celebrating Diwali was a wonderful experience for the whole community. It was truly heartwarming to see the whole school appreciating different cultures so beautifully.
Article in Hindi
