Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations in India and around the world. At Anchorage Park Kindergarten, this joyous occasion is made extra special with the involvement of children and whānau who embrace the spirit of Diwali in their own unique and fun-filled ways.

We decorated and greeted our children and families with a vibrant and colourful environment. Bright paper lanterns, decorative diyas (clay pot lamps), rangoli patterns, and glittering streamers filled the room, creating an environment that mirrors the festive mood outside. Kaiako and tamariki worked together to create these beautiful decorations, turning our kindergarten into a magical space that embodies the essence of Diwali.

One of the highlights of the Diwali celebration at kindergarten is the wide variety of art experiences for children. The children had hands-on experience with making paper lanterns, decorating diyas, and creating vibrant rangoli designs using coloured powders and glue glitter. These experiences not only allow children to be creative but also help them to learn about the importance of light in Diwali and how it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

Storytelling is an integral part of Diwali celebrations and we had our community librarian Angel who visited us to narrate the stories and songs of Diwali at kindergarten. Children were excited to learn about the significance of Diwali and the importance of family and community. One of our families shared a video clip about Diwali. Our whanau felt the sense of belonging as they were involved in making Rotis (following healthy heart foundation), shared their cultural clothes, stories and pictures with us on Story park.

We ended our week of Diwali celebration by dressing up in bright and colourful clothes and performed on Bollywood songs. The event is a perfect opportunity for the children to experience the festival’s cultural significance and bond with their peers and teachers in a joyous setting. For children, Diwali is truly a festival of light, joy, and learning.