Woodbank Primary School

This term each class has been learning about Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

Diwali is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, and for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations.

One of the ways people celebrate Diwali is by decorating their homes with colourful rangoli designs, lighting diyas or displaying lights around the house.

Many people clean their homes, and buy gold or silver items for luck and good fortune.

People also celebrate by lighting fireworks or sparklers.

Many people visit friends and family to exchange gifts, have parties and share delicious food and sweets like Jalebi, Kaju katli, Gulab jamun and Burfi.

Diwali is also a time for prayers and people also leave offerings to gods and goddesses - like Lakshmi the Hindu goddess of wealth - for good luck.