A Cultural Exchange through A Festival of Light
Diwali Celebration at Altadena Campus
Collaboratively written by Anna Masters (Grade 5 teacher) and Anusha Ravi (WSSD parent/caregiver)
In Waldorf schools, fifth graders study ancient cultures-cultures that today continue to influence and inspire the world with their brilliance and wisdom. Indian culture is studied and transports students to a time of reverence for the spirit and praise of the divine. The geography of India-and stories of how people lived amongst the varying climates of the subcontinent-fill this block with vivid imagery and a deeper understanding for the ways people, plants and animals adapt and respond to their environment.
Students learn stories of creation from India and from the Ramayana, for example. The Ramayana, originally recorded by the legendary poet, Valmiki, depicts the charmed life and many adventures of Rama and Sita. This beloved pair demonstrate their incredible bond through immense challenges and rejoice in the overcoming of darkness. Diwali festival is a celebration of light that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and of Rama and Sita’s devotion.
Here are a some brief retellings of the Diwali story...
...in the Fifth Grade Classroom
“Long ago, there was a noble prince named Rama, who was banished from his kingdom, Ayodhya, for fourteen years. His devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana went with him into the forest. During their exile, the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita and took her to his island kingdom of Lanka.
With the help of the monkey god Hanuman and his army, Rama built a bridge to Lanka, fought a great battle, and defeated Ravana. After rescuing Sita, Rama returned home to Ayodhya. The people were overjoyed and lit rows of oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate his return and the victory of light over darkness. That night became known as Diwali, a festival to celebrate hope, goodness, and the light within each of us.”
...in the Second Grade Classroom
Diwali, short for “Deepavali” meaning “Row of Lights”, is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world and is celebrated for 5 days, with the 3rd night being the main celebration.
While Northern India observes Diwali as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Southern and Central India have a different origin story for Diwali, celebrating the interdependent nature of the feminine and masculine divinities.
The story is described here in brief:
“Narakasura plunged the earth into darkness with his evil and selfish ways, stealing all its resources, due to arrogance of his boon that he could only be defeated by his own mother, Mother Earth, believing himself to thus, be invincible. Lord Krishna’s wife, Sathyabhama who is considered an incarnation of Mother Earth came to the rescue. When Krishna was wounded in the battle against Narakasura, an enraged Sathyabhama defeated Narakasura with her husband’s bow and arrows, thus fulfilling the boon. Narakasura, realizing his mistake, requested that his defeat be celebrated with lights and joy. Diwali has since been celebrated on the darkest night of the year, commemorating the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.”
...in the Rosemary Kindergarten Classroom
Kindergarteners were treated to a puppet show, of course – the origin story of Diwali.
How Families Celebrate Diwali
Family celebrations include the lighting of diyas, or small oil lamps, to kindle light. As well as cleaning and decorating the home and making rangoli or kolam – beautiful patterns made of colored powders, flowers, or rice. Fireworks, community gatherings as well as Lakshmi punja and praise to Ganesha are some of the ways this festival is celebrated. The goddess, Lakshmi is known to bring prosperity and the Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles. Diwali is celebrated with light, joy, and togetherness. Customs vary across India and around the world.
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How Our Students Celebrated Diwali
More intricate Rangoli patterns by the middle schoolers.
As part of the school celebration of Diwali, the Grades children lit Diyas, Sparklers and tried their hand at creating “Pulli Kolam” (translating to “Dot Pattern” in Tamil) – an art form originating in South India, particularly associated with the state of Tamil Nadu. It involves creating designs decorating the ground with twists and curves, looping around an array of dots. Pulli Kolam combines Art with the Mathematical fields of Geometry and Topology, incorporating symmetry with recursive and, at times, fractal patterns and Eulerian paths. All the dots in the array must be encircled, with the lines forming closed loops and never overlapping over finite lengths. By enclosing each dot, Pulli Kolam symbolizes protection, a shield, similar to Celtic Knots, and in fact, many Pulli Kolam designs are identical to Celtic Knots.
Supervised sparklers for all the students – always a favorite!
Kindergarteners did also partake in themed crafts that where beautifully displayed for snack time.
Traditionally, Pulli Kolam is made with rice flour as a way of giving gratitude to nature, by feeding birds, small animals and insects. The continuous loops and repetitive patterns symbolize the cycle of life. And the fact that they’re made with material that will easily be erased, signifies the impermanence and transient nature of beauty, life and existence. It is a practice in mindfulness, encouraging people to live with purpose despite the fleeting nature of things.
Pulli Kolam is a fading art in its traditional form, and efforts are being made to keep it alive through artistic competitions and increasing its popularity through digital content.
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