Honeybear Nursery celebrates Diwali
The children and staff at Honeybear Nursery will celebrate Diwali, which this year takes place on 12th November 2023.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is often celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, although other religions may celebrate it too. It is celebrated in October or November every year.
The Hindus celebrate Diwali to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Lamps are lit to help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. They also celebrate a Hindu Diwali legend – the story of the return of Rama and Sita to Rama’s kingdom after fourteen years of living away from their home.
The Sikh festival is important because it celebrates when Guru Hargobind was released from prison. When Guru Hargobind was released, he helped lots of other prisoners to be released too. When he arrived in the city, Sikhs lit candles and lamps to celebrate his safe return.
The Festival is a time for:
- Cleaning the home
- Decorating the home with lots of lamps and diva lamps
- Wearing new clothes
- Exchanging gifts
- Having meals with family and friends
- Having large firework displays
In India, Hindus leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in. Rangoli are drawn on the floors of Hindu houses. Rangoli are patterns and the most popular subject is the lotus flower. The patterns are made using coloured rice, sand, flowers or paint.
Click here for instructions for making a diva lamp, and for rangoli patterns.
