Celebrating Diversity - Diwali

As part of our Celebrating Diversity series at St Charles, November saw a number of our students and families celebrate Diwali. Diwali the festival of lights and lamps, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. The festival symbolises the spiritual triumph of light and darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance – the blessing of victory, freedom and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanskrit “dipavali” meaning row of lights.

The celebrations are full of joy and happiness and generally last 5-6 days during the month of November. Observances of Diwali differ depending on religion and tradition, each with their own customs but central themes include on the night of Diwali (12^th November 2023) lighting dozens of candles and clay lamps (diyas) and placing them throughout homes and streets to light up the night. Fireworks have become an iconic part of Diwali celebrations with layers of meaning beyond the entertainment spectacle of illuminating the skies with sparkling lights. They carry profound cultural and spiritual symbolism woven into the fabric of the festival, warding off evil etc.

Here is how Rashmi and Priyasagi, two of our sixth formers celebrated the joyous festival of Diwali.

 “I am Rashmi, a year 13 A level student. I was born in a city called Hyderabad, in South India. I have recently moved to the United Kingdom - in July 2022.  Diwali holds profound significance in our household. On the day of Diwali, early in the morning before sunrise, the day begins with a special ritual to remove disthi, or negative energy. This involves giving harati, a symbolic act of waving lit lamps to dispel any lingering darkness and usher in positivity. The evening is dedicated to performing Pooja, a sacred ritual where we come together to worship Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi Devi. The air is filled with the rhythmic chanting of sacred verses, creating a serene and spiritually charged environment. The day is then ended with the bursting of fireworks in the night sky that adds a dazzling spectacle to the celebration, marking the culmination of a day filled with tradition, joy, and a sense of shared spirituality.  Diwali is more than a festival to me and my family; it is a tapestry woven with cultural richness and the threads of familial love that bind us together in this joyous celebration.

I do believe Diwali can be celebrated in college as a community by organizing a lighting ceremony where the students can be encouraged to light lamps (diyas)/ candles around their classrooms in college (safely!) symbolizing triumph over darkness and conducting a small assembly talking about what Diwali is would create awareness about it.”  ~ Rashmi

 “As a Srilankan Tamil (Hindu) I celebrate Diwali with my friends and family, we join together to celebrate the festival of lights, going to the temple and praying, as well as lighting up a diya (candle) for the occasion. It influences me as I get closer to my culture, connecting me back to my roots as a Hindu. Diwali is important to me as I get to come together with my family/friends that I haven't seen in a long time.” ~ Priyasagi

This sounds like both Rashmi and Priyasagi with their families had a wonderful and special celebration.

We would also like to wish a very Happy Chanukah to students and staff of Jewish heritage who celebrate. This festival which is observed over eight nights and this year started on the 7^th December. Each night is marked with the lighting of an extra light on the menorah. It’s also a time for families and friends to enjoy traditional foods, games and gifts.