Diwali Drama and Dance
We are fast approaching Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, which is celebrated this year on 8th November. Here at Cypress Lower, we started the celebrations early with our fabulous Diwali drama and dance workshops for each of our Year 1 and 2 classes. An enthusiastic actor called Lee led the workshops, injecting energy and passion in to the story of Rama and Sita, as well as choreographing some fantastic dances. All the children were able to be fully involved in the drama and dances, as well as learning more about this important festival, beloved of millions around the world, championing good over evil.
The Story of Rama and Sita
Lee explained to the children, in a fully interactive way, how Rama and Sita were banished to the forest for 14 years. Here they came face to face with the multi-headed and multi-armed demon Ravana. Ravana kidnapped the beautiful Princess Sita and whisked her away to the island of Lanka (now Sri Lanka). Rama asked the monkey god, Hanuman, for help and they enlisted an army of animals to build a bridge to reach Sita in Lanka. Once there, there was a battle with Ravana and Sita was rescued. After 14 years, Rama and Sita returned home to Ayodhya, where they were greeted by rows of diyas (clay lamps) to light their way through the darkness. Now, during Diwali, people decorate their homes with diyas to show the victory of light over darkness. Brightly coloured rangoli patterns are created to welcome guests and there are joyous feasts, new clothes bought and worn, exchanges of sweets and fireworks.
Click here to find our more about how people celebrate Diwali and to watch the story of Rama and Sita.
Huge thanks to our wonderful PTFA for funding this enriching experience for our KS1 children.
Miss Chapman
