Diwali 2024

The Dolphin School's Diwali assembly on 6th November 2024 was a vibrant and engaging celebration that brought the school community together to learn about one of the most important festivals in the Indian calendar. From heart-warming performances to inspiring speeches, the event highlighted the diversity of Diwali celebrations and the rich cultural heritage that it embodies.
The assembly began with a beautiful piano performance by Eliza, who played a serene piece that set the perfect tone for the occasion. Her delicate melody filled the room and introduced the peaceful, joyful spirit of Diwali.

Next, the 'Seven Sisters'—Emilia, Isabel, Maisie, and Merryn—delivered an energetic and fun dance performance to Katy Perry’s hit song Firework. Their synchronized movements and infectious enthusiasm instantly lifted the mood of the assembly, symbolizing the vibrant colours and joyous spirit that Diwali represents.

We were then honoured to have Jasmine’s Grandad, Mr. Sian, join us at the assembly. Mr. Sian made a special appearance as the first Sikh to wear a turban in the Royal Navy, a remarkable and inspiring part of history. He played the tabla to set the rhythm for the occasion, its beats resonating through the hall as a symbolic call to celebrate Diwali’s themes of light and unity. Mr. Sian also shared some fascinating insights into his background and the significance of Diwali in Sikh culture. His personal story added a rich layer of history to the assembly and allowed us to connect even deeper with the diverse traditions that make up the celebration of Diwali.
I (Jyoti) then took to the stage to explain the significance of Diwali. I spoke about how Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs around the world, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. I also highlighted the diverse ways in which these two communities celebrate the festival, from lighting diyas (oil lamps) to exchanging sweets and gifts, and attending prayers at temples.

Arjun S captivated the audience next with a powerful retelling of the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic. His storytelling was filled with such enthusiasm and confidence that we were all spellbound. Arjun’s ability to weave drama and emotion into the story of Lord Rama’s battle with the demon king Ravana demonstrated his remarkable storytelling skills, and the audience was in awe of how he brought the epic to life with such vivid detail.

Shia SU followed by sharing how he personally celebrates Diwali at home with his family. He spoke about the importance of family traditions during the festival and how the celebration brings his family together. It was a touching reminder of how Diwali is not only a religious observance but also a time for families to unite and create lasting memories.

Next, Akshay joined the assembly with a video that he had created at home. The video showed the intricate process of making rangoli patterns, celebrating Diwali with his family, and preparing traditional Indian sweets. Akshay’s video also featured his family’s custom of wearing Kurtha Pajamas, the traditional Indian attire worn during the festival. The video was an exciting and educational addition to the assembly, as it gave everyone a glimpse into how Diwali is celebrated in a typical Indian household.

The assembly continued with Jasmine S, who introduced the Sikh perspective of Diwali. She shared the story of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, and how his release from imprisonment and his return to Amritsar is celebrated by Sikhs as a symbol of freedom, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. Jasmine’s clear and insightful explanation gave the audience a deeper understanding of the significance of Diwali in Sikhism.

We were also honoured to hear that Jasmine’s Grandad, Mr. Sian, will be featured on TV this weekend for Remembrance Day, where he will be laying a wreath in tribute. Stay tuned for this special moment in honour of his incredible service and legacy.

The Diwali assembly at Dolphin School was a wonderful blend of music, dance, storytelling, and personal experiences, all centred around the theme of light and joy. It was a reminder of how festivals like Diwali not only celebrate religious beliefs but also bring people together, regardless of their background or culture, in a shared spirit of hope and happiness. The event was truly a shining example of how we can learn from each other and celebrate our differences while embracing the values of unity and peace.

Jyoti Chopra, Head of Maths