Diwali is one of the major Hindu Festivals and is now widely celebrated by Indian
communities in Britain. Understanding something of its beliefs and customs gives
children an awareness of the richness and diversity of multi-cultural society.

[The children will need background information and illustrations showing something
of Diwali. Classes with Hindu children have the great advantage of being asked to
draw on their first-hand experience].

• What is Diwali and when is it held?
• Why is it celebrated?
• What are some of the customs and traditions that make Diwali special?
  

Here are a range of activities involving Tops, Tabards and lengths of Koloron^TM fabric.

Rangoli patterns. These are traditional floor patterns which may be geometric or have motifs based on flowers, fruits and
Hindu Gods. Paint a Rangoli pattern on your Top or Tabard to welcome visitors to your classroom.

Mendhi patterns. It is a traditional custom to decorate the palm of your hand with patterns. Make a card template by drawing
round a hand. These can then be used to make a design of hand shapes on a Top or Tabard. Each one can be filled with
a different pattern.

Find out about how Rama overcame his evil enemy, the many-headed demon, Ravana. Using Koloron^TM fabric a group
can work together to plan, draw and paint a large mural showing Rama and Ravana. One way of getting a large silhouette
in a realistic pose is to draw round a person laying on the fabric.

Diwali is a festival of lights. After sunset it is the custom to light small lamps and candles to welcome Rama and to attract
the Goddess of good fortune, Lakshmi, to visit their homes. Working on a Top or Tabard, children can design and paint their
own picture of a diva lamp.

Meeting curriculum requirements:

These activities will raise awareness and increase understanding of different religious beliefs and customs. They afford
an opportunity to work individually and in groups to produce an end product that can be shared in the classroom and with
the rest of the school. The children could make an effective contribution to Assembly. They will be learning to recognise
and appreciate pattern and imagery from other cultures. They will be using and developing their skills in art, craft
and design.

Tips for Painting:

It is always a good idea to plan the pattern or picture in rough first.
Keep ideas bold and simple, very often limiting the choice of colour for pattern work will be more striking.
If working with brushes and paint for pattern making, ensure that you have suitable size brushes.

Older children can draw round their own hand but younger children will find it easier to work in pairs.

Useful Reference:

In 2001 Diwali is on 14th and 15th November, the Hindu New Year. For information on festivals in general: Celebration!
by Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley, published by Dorling Kindersley, ISBN 0 7513 56506,. For Hindu festivals: Celebrate
Hindu Festivals by Kadodwala and Gateshill, published by Heinemann, ISBN 0 431 06957 3. Most libraries now have a
good collection of books on festivals and celebrations. Try to involve people from the Hindu community.

What you will need:

Tops, Tabards, Koloron^TM fabric, paints, brushes, water jars, paper towels/rags, rough paper. Water-based marker pens,
odds and ends such as glitter, foil paper, cellophane, fabric scraps and water-based glue.

Activity 0077 Trick or treat
Activity 0072 Birthdays