Diwali is one of the most loved and anticipated festival of all times for the people of India. It means rows of light that signify happiness, the victory of good over evil, and prosperity. Festivals like Deepawali are the best way to make children respect, understand, and appreciate our culture. Celebrating such festivals is an integral part of learning at GIIS, Noida. Through such celebrations, our students not only learn the significance behind the festival, but they also learn to embrace other traditions and cultures just like they embrace their own. 

To keep up with the traditions, and to teach and sensitize the students of Global Indian International School (GIIS), Noida with the value and importance of this festival, a series of activities were conducted to celebrate the festive spirit across grades of all the segments.

The pre-primary wing of the school had students engaged in a week full of activities that made them aware of the significance and reasons of celebrating Diwali every year with great fervour. They decorated diyas, understood ways of celebrating Green Diwali to reduce air pollution, indulged in fireless cooking to make delicious oreo chocolate rolls, participated in Diwali kavita activity, and enjoyed the virtual Diwali dance party.

Grade 1 students on the other hand-decorated earthen lamps which they later used to decorate their houses at the festival.  They also participated in virtual rangoli and laddoo-making activities. They wore colourful traditional outfits to celebrate the festive spirit of the occasion besides learning to have an eco-friendly Diwali this year.

Students of grades 2 -5 celebrated the festivities by participating in the special assembly that highlighted the value of the occasion. To continue with the celebratory spirits, various activities were conducted for the students. Grade 2 participated in Thali Decoration Competition in which they decorated Puja Thalis using diyas, haldi, kumkum, and other decorative material. The students showed their creative sides and made beautiful presentations.

Grade 3 was engaged in making beautiful Paper Diya Garlands to decorate their houses, Grade 4 welcomed Goddess Lakshmi by decorating Pots at their home, and grade 5 made beautiful flower Rangolis to celebrate the Diwali with great zeal.

For the Students of grades 6-9, the scientific Rangoli competition was conducted on both online as well as offline modes to promote a scientific drive in the students and to encourage them to excel in their academics. It also aimed at instilling a festive mood among the children as Diwali was round the corner. This competition increased the scientific temper and innovative skills in the students and was indeed a kaleidoscopic experience for each of them.

These activities were aimed at educating students about the importance of brotherhood and the joy of togetherness. It also allowed children to seek the blessings of elders and to learn to respect them. They also learnt the values of discipline and goodwill, and learnt to be responsible for their surroundings by saying no to crackers that cause so much air pollution.