Celebrating Diipa'valii: The Festival of Light
we are welcoming the light…
The classrooms at New Day are buzzing with preparations for Diipavali: The Festival of Light. For several weeks leading up to the celebration, teachers bring in festive activities and crafts to display and enjoy during the evening’s program. Children are learning the songs for the lantern walk, and the hums and whispers of Diipavali songs can be heard throughout the classrooms as the children play.
Lanterns are being made by children and teachers alike. Colored sand is sprinkled into Rangoli designs, and candles are lit, their bright flames dancing like little “fire fairies.” String lights are hung throughout the gardens, and we prepare the hundreds of tea lights that will illuminate the path of the lantern walk. All around us, the school is preparing to celebrate the Festival of Light.
At New Day School, we celebrate Diipavali as the culmination of our October classroom curriculum: Inner Light. Throughout the month, children are introduced to Inner Light, one of the foundational principles of Ashtanga Yoga, which reminds us that all beings are interconnected through Love and Light—the essence of who we are.
“Diipa” in Samskrta means Lamp. Diipavalii refers to illuminating the lamp within.
The Festival of Lights is celebrated in different ways in many parts of the world. In Europe, it is celebrated as St. Martin’s day, St. Lucia’s day, and/or Hanukkah. In India and many Southeast Asian countries, it is celebrated as Diipavalii (or Diwali). Diipa in Samskrta means Lamp. Diipavalii refers to illuminating the lamp within. While the story of the Festival of Lights varies from region to region and culture to culture, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the Inner Light! During Diipavali we come together to celebrate the festival of lights, making new friendships and building relationships through sharing food, song, story and happiness. When we illuminate these lanterns it is a spiritual celebration symbolizing the illumination of light over darkness… hope over despair… love and wisdom over hate and ignorance.