By Colleen Flanagan, The Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News
Students at Harry Hooge Elementary and Albion Elementary celebrated Diwali this week.
At Harry Hooge Elementary 25 students demonstrated traditional dances during an assembly where they also explained to their fellow students what the festival of Diwali is and how they celebrate it.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is India’s biggest festival and is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
It is celebrated over five days where people light diyas or clay lamps, create rangolis or patterns on the floor with coloured sand or powder, light fireworks, give presents, feast, eat sweets, and visit with family and good friends.
Students practiced their dances for three weeks, giving up their lunch hours, prior to the assembly. Two groups – one intermediate and one junior – danced two different routines.