Diwali
For the children of Preprimary, the linkages with Diwali began with a sharing of the story of Ramayana. They gathered the essence of the festival and zealously cleaned their cubicles and spaces in and around their groups. Then they put their energies into making clay diyas, painting them as well as making torans and lanterns to decorate the group. Everyday their connection with Diwali strengthened further. They also widened their understanding of ‘light’. They began with sharing “Electricity वाली light होती है”, “Tube वाली on-off light होती है”. They were helped to identify a special light within them which makes them unique. “I can help friends and that is special about me”.
Despite the deteriorating air quality, the children maintained their enthusiasm to celebrate Diwali together. The shift to online mode of instruction did not dampen their spirits. They continued to connect to the festival from home through the stories, conversations and songs initiated by didis and bhaiyas. Through the Diwali celebration shared with them online, they witnessed Diwali poojan and gathered the essence of the rituals involved.