Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated at schools throughout the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows School District.
At Harry Hooge Elementary, about 50 students participated in performances showcasing bhangra, a Punjabi folk dance, and Bollywood.
Dancers were not limited to those who celebrate Diwali, but was open for the whole school community to participate.
Students could get a temporary henna design on their hand and were also treated to pakoras, which are deep fried vegetable fritters.
Diwali is one of India’s biggest celebrations of the year, celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists as well.
It is a five day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. This year the main day of celebration took place Oct. 20.
Students at Fairview Elementary also shared the significance of Diwali with their peers at an assembly on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Grade 6 student, Harneet Missan, explained that Diwali celebrations differ from culture to culture and it is one of the biggest and brightest festivals.
Sukhtej and Sukhjot Dulay, both in Grade 6, shared that Sikh people call Diwali “Bandi Chhor Diwas” which is the day when Guru Gobing Singh ji was released from unjust imprisonment.
Pehlaz Sandhu, in Grade 3 and Amaya Sall, in Grade 2 described how the Hindu celebration of Diwali starts with cleaning homes and shopping for jewellery and new kitchen utensils.
Grade 4 student Siya Sharma, told the assembly about the decorations of marigold garlands and the art of rangoli and mehndi, henna.
Sanvitha Shaw, Grade 5, narrated the story of Ram and Sita, and Eva Gill, Grade 5, explained the history of bhangra dancing.
Speeches were followed by two lively performances, with all students dressed in traditional outfits.
The group spent a month practising and rehearsing with education assistant Prabjot Takhar and ELL teacher Harjit Chauhan.
Students then had the opportunity to paint mini clay diyas, they made rangoli patterns, and explored mehndi and henna art.
Students at Albion Elementary held a Fall Celebrations assembly to highlight Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, led by Terry Jung, Leah Kitamura, and Kana Wiens, on Oct. 21.
“It’s wonderful to see students take pride in their identities and cultures—and to witness how they support and celebrate one another,” said Wiens.
“Showcasing different fall celebrations supports the diverse identities of our students,” noted Leah Kitamura, an English Language Teacher at Albion Elementary.
“When students see their cultures reflected in school events, they feel a stronger sense of belonging,” Kitamura added.