Central Kids Dinsdale Celebrate Diwali

Children/tamariki at Central Kids Dinsdale celebrated Diwali with the cooking and sharing off food/kai, having henna applied, music and dance. Diwali is a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year ahead and represents a very significant spiritual time. During Diwali we:

Give and forgive. It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere.

Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps.

This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds, including feeding the poor on an incredible scale.

Illuminate your inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner peace. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.