Celebrating Diwali in the early years

Why early years should celebrate Diwali

For many people Diwali is an important festival and everyone in the early years should embrace this special occasion. Diwali is one of the largest festivals celebrated as part of the Hindu religion and celebrations span over five days, with one main festival night. Teaching children and allowing them to experience other religions and cultures is important to creating a diverse and understanding community. With understanding comes acceptance and it is important to create this understanding as early as possible by allowing children from all cultures and religions to share there experiences and what is important to them and their families. By celebrating Diwali and any other important festivals which arise throughout the year enables children to feel valued, supported and respected, with this comes confident children and learners. It allows children to see that they all have differences and that this is okay because everyone has parts of them that make them special and unique.

Diwali activities

Have a look at our list of Diwali activities and ideas below and share some of these with your early years settings over Diwali –

• Research the story behind Diwali and share this with the children during story time
• Create Divas or candle holders with the children using clay, salt dough or playdough
• Decorate Rangoli patterns
• Take a look at our selection of Diwali books for children
• Make Diwali cards
• Try some indian foods
• Make Indian sweet to give as gifts
• Dress up in authentic clothing, sareers for girls and Kurta for boys.

For a more detailed list of activities visit our pinterest board for more ideas