On Sunday I received the above Diwali message from my friend Monika. It reminded me of the fun we had in Auckland when our staff celebrated Diwali. The Fijian Indian teachers Vandhana, Rohini, Reshmin and two other relief teachers brought Saris from home for us to dress up in for our candle lit luncheon.

It made me keen to catchup with Diwali celebrations in our King's community. Thanks to Ms Thomas I was lucky enough to talk with Kartik Giroti whose family celebrated Diwali on Sunday. He said yes they wore traditional clothing and had prayers at the beginning and end of the day. Their house had been decorated with lighted candles everywhere and strings of lights outside. Their neighbours joined them in the celebrations for lunch and dinner and the day finished with fire works. 

Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

It reminded me of our Cultural Festival and the quote shared by Head Boy, Massimo Pezzuto:

"Our individual differences make us stronger when we work together." - Fred Upton