Berkhamsted community celebrates Diwali 

Year 13 student Jashan J delivered a wonderful assembly to pupils at Berkhamsted Prep on the festival of Diwali, which was celebrated at the beginning of this month.

Taking pupils through the story of Rama and Sita’s journey home, Jashan explained how Diwali reminds us that ‘through bravery and help from friends we can overcome the toughest of  challenges’.

‘Diwali’ means ‘row of lights’, and the festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Jashan described the important values of Diwali that pupils of all cultures and religions can take away, highlighting goodness, knowledge, family and new beginnings. The festival is a time for families to come together and share stories to be passed through generations, so Jashan asked pupils to think about stories they have learned from their own families.

Pupils were then given the chance to demonstrate their curiosity and ask questions. ‘How many countries celebrate Diwali?’, ‘Why do people decorate their doors during Diwali?’, and ‘What phase of the moon signals Diwali?’ were some of the great questions that pupils posed. Prep pupils then shared how they had spent Diwali, telling their peers about spending time with family, lighting sparklers and eating lots of food!

‘The act of lighting lamps, sharing sweets, and spending time with loved ones fosters a sense of unity, reminding us of the universal human values of joy, peace, and hope’, Jashan says. ‘Regardless of one’s background, Diwali’s message is a beautiful reminder of the power of positivity and resilience’.

Elsewhere across the School, pupils have been celebrating Diwali by decorating rangoli lamps. This colourful tradition is thought to bring good luck and prosperity to households, embracing light over darkness.

For many people, Diwali is a time for helping others by giving to charity or sharing with neighbours. A poignant message and a fantastic chance to share the history and values of Diwali with younger pupils.