This week at The Children’s House we will be learning about Diwali, the festival of lights which originated in India, which falls this year on Wednesday 7th November. This is a wonderful occasion which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness; we will be learning about all the different preparations and rituals that are practised at this time. During the week the children will make a version of rangoli (an Indian art form in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals, usually done during Hindu festivals), and also then use modelling clay to make their own little clay lamps (diyas) and decorating them, before putting night lights in them and bringing them home. So a lot of lovely art, craft and culture this week!

Little Lamps (to tune of London Bridge)

Little lamps are burning bright,
Burning bright, burning bright.
Little lamps are burning bright,
It’s Diwali.

See them lighting up the night,
Up the night, up the night.
See them lighting up the night,
It’s Diwali.