7th graders celebrated Diwali today with an exciting workshop about this Hindu holiday! Unquowa parent, Sheetal Mundra, helped facilitate this joint Visual Arts and Humanities program. Ms. Mundra introduced Diwali to the class using a short slideshow, answering lots of great questions along the way. Then, students were able to sample some delicious Indian treats, like crispy plain and spicy lentils, seasoned crunchy chickpeas, rock sugar, and masala ragi (millet) sticks.

While they snacked, the 7th graders watched a video on rangoli, a traditional Indian art form made using colored powders and sand. After putting on some upbeat Bollywood-inspired music, each student received their own rangoli template, and tried their hand at designing their own celebratory design. As they completed their rangoli, students were invited to decorate their own diya, or clay oil-lamp, used for Diwali. Just as their diya will illuminate their homes, Ms. Mundra stressed that Diwali encourages us to bring light into others’ lives and reminds us that good will always prevail — that light always overcomes darkness.

We wish all who celebrate a Happy Diwali, and that the universal message of spreading joy, wisdom, and compassion reaches the entire Unquowa community and beyond!