On October 26th we celebrated Diwali with joy and vibrant energy. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, and means “row of lights.” It is a time to rejoice in the triumph of light over darkness and is embraced by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The holiday begins on October 30th and will last five days.

In honor of Diwali the entrances to Hamlin were decorated with rangolis as a sign of welcome with hopes of bringing good luck to visitors. Marigolds were also displayed to signify good over evil. For lunch our kitchen prepared a Diwali-inspired menu of lentil soup, chicken biryani, raita, and roasted cauliflower.

In the lower school, 18 girls participated in a celebratory dance wearing colorful traditional clothing and shared the meaning of the holiday with a large audience comprised of both family members and classmates.

8th grader Maya P. shares her experience with Diwali.

“Ever since I was old enough, my family and I would create a rangoli, which is a design created from colored sand that is typically the shape of a flowery and symmetrical design. For the past few years, my brother and I have created them on our own, but I remember the times where my mom and I would do them together, me choosing the colors and her creating the design. During Diwali, families create them in hopes of bringing good luck into the new year.

Every year, we also light diyas, which are small candles that are placed around the house and around our front porch. Now, we buy the small candles, but we used to make them out of clay and wax when I was younger.

In addition to the rangoli on our front porch, we always hang a marigold flower chain on our front door, as well as on doors and walkways inside our house during Diwali. Marigold chains in India represent celebration throughout the country on many different occasions, including Diwali.”

In the video below, Kreeya speaks about Diwali:

Special thanks to Hamlin parent, Chhayal Mehta for working with the girls on their uplifting dance.