Celebrating Diwali - "The Festival of Lights"
- Simon O'Donovan
- Oct 20
- 9 min read
Diwali — also known as Deepavali — is one of the most important and joyful festivals in India and among Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist communities worldwide. It’s often called the Festival of Lights, and its central theme is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. ✨🪔
🌟 Meaning & Symbolism
The word Deepavali comes from Sanskrit:
“Deepa” = lamp or light
“Avali” = row or seriesSo, it literally means “a row of lights.”
Homes, streets, and temples are decorated with rows of oil lamps (diyas) or modern fairy lights, symbolizing the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
This CST activities page aims to help celebrate Diwali. There are several layers to it, as follows:
Festivals of light
Idioms
Light quiz (including music links)
Making Diwali lights and artwork
Refreshments suggestions
Part 1. Festivals Of Light
Ask members to think about (and maybe list) Festivals Of Light that they enjoy taking part in. Here are a few suggestions to get going ...
Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year
Summer Solstice, Halloween, Bonfire Night
Thanksgiving, Burn's Night, Bristol Balloon Festival
Part 2. Idioms
See how many of these illustrations of well known phrases to do with light and dark members can guess ...
Here are the answers:
(You could also discuss their meanings.)
See the light
Light at the end of the tunnel
In the limelight
Shed light on something
Many hands make light work
Blinded by the light
Light years ahead of its time
As light as a feather
You light up my life
Dark horse
Shot in the dark
Fear of the dark
Keeping someone in the dark
Blackout
Light fingered
Darken someone's doorway
Cast a shadow over
Every cloud has a silver lining
Hello darkness my old friend
Song break - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAEppFUWLfc
Part 3. Light & Dark Quiz
Fact
Which gas is the main constituent of the sun?
Which group had a hit with ‘Here Comes The Sun’ in 1969?
Which group had a hit with ‘Blue Moon’ in 1961?
What creatures lived on the moon in a 1960s children’s TV show?
Which group had a 1973 hit album with ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’?
Which galaxy does our solar system sit in?
What is the name of our brightest star?
Name the planets?
Who composed ‘The Planets Suite’ in 1917?
Who had a hit in with the song ‘Lucky Stars’?
What do you see at the beginning of the end of a total eclipse?
Which artist had a hit with ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart ‘ in 1983?
Which Crimean war nurse was known as “The lady with the lamp”?
Which group won Eurovision in 1997 with the song ‘Love Shine A Light’?
Which animal advertised ‘Duracell’ batteries?
What is the proper name for ‘The Northern Lights?
Which group had a hit in 1978 with the song ‘Northern Lights’?
What is the name of the biggest match manufacturer in the UK?
What year (nearest guess) did Guido Fawkes attempt to blow up the Houses Of Parliament?
What is molten rock from a volcano called?
Which ancient Italian city was destroyed by pyroclastic flow in 79AD?
Who starred in the 1970s TV sitcom ‘Up Pompeii’?
Are glowing worms and fireflies the same creature?
What causes bioluminescence in algae?
What is the traffic lights sequence in the UK?
What is the natural colour of neon?
What is the saying about lightning?
Who had a hit in 1971 with 'Morning Has Broken'?
Fiction
Which alien wanted to go home in a movie?
Name all nine of Santa’s reindeer in ‘T’was The Night Before Christmas?
Name the fairy in the 1904 book by JM. Barrie ‘Peter Pan’?
Name the phoenix in the 2007 Harry Potter movie 'Order Of The Phoenix'?
Name the dragon in J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 book ‘The Hobbit’?
How many wishes did the genie grant Aladdin when he rubbed the lamp?
(What would yours be?)
Which two nations are fighting with light sabres in the 1977 movie ‘Star Wars’?
Who played the character ‘Will’oTheWisp’ in the 1970s children animation?
Who played the immortal queen in the 1965 movie ‘She’?
Who found ‘The Ark Of The Covenant’ in the 1981 movie ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’?
Who starred in the 1987 movie 'Legend' which sees the Prince of Darkness defeated?
What was the name of ‘The Hobbit’ who eventually destroyed the ring in the movie ‘Lord Of The Rings’?
(Obviously there are some good songs included in the questions to play clips from.)
But then there's this ...
Song break - 'You Light Up My Life', Debby Boone - https://youtu.be/UAH-pbsN1Xw
Part 4
🪔 CST ACTIVITY GUIDE – MAKING A DIYA LAMP (DIWALI CRAFT)
Theme: Diwali – Festival of LightsDuration: 45–60 minutes
Activity Type: Creative / Reminiscence / Cultural
🌟 Aims and Objectives
To explore the meaning and traditions of Diwali
To engage fine motor skills through craft and decoration
To encourage conversation about festivals, light, and hope
To create a personal Diya lamp to take home or display
🪔 Background / Discussion Starters
Begin by discussing:
“What do you know about Diwali or the Festival of Lights?”
“Have you ever lit candles or lamps for a special reason?”
“What do lights and candles remind you of?
”Show photos of Diwali celebrations: colourful lamps, rangoli, sweets, fireworks.
🎨 Materials Needed
Small clay lamps (diyas) – available from craft or cultural shops
(Or you could make your own with saltdough)
Acrylic paints (gold, red, orange, blue, green)
Small paintbrushes
Glitter glue or sequins
Tea lights or small LED candles (for safety)
Tissue paper or newspaper to protect tables
Optional:
Small mirrors or beads for decoration
Coloured sand or rice for a display base
✋ Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation: Cover the table and hand out aprons.
Choose a diya: Each participant selects a small clay lamp. (Or makes their own out of the saltdough)
Base coat: Paint the outside and rim of the diya in bright colours.
Decoration: Add dots, lines, or patterns with glitter glue, sequins, or gold paint.
Drying time: Allow lamps to dry for 10–15 minutes.
Light it up: Once dry, place a tea light or LED candle inside.
Reflection: Dim the lights and admire the lamps together — talk about what “light” means to each person (hope, family, joy, new beginnings).
💬 Prompts for Group Reflection
“How do you feel when you see candlelight?”
“What other festivals use lights?”
“What does light mean to you?”
“If you could dedicate your lamp to someone, who would it be?”
🌼 Extension Ideas
Create a group “Festival of Lights” display with everyone’s lamps.
Play gentle Indian instrumental music during the session.
Serve small Indian sweets (ladoos, jalebi, barfi) to taste.
🧠 CST Benefits
Cognitive: Memory recall and sequencing through step-by-step craft
Social: Shared conversation about traditions and symbolism
Emotional: Sense of calm, pride, and connection through creative expression
🪔 CST ACTIVITY GUIDE – MAKING DIWALI PAPER ART
Theme: Festival of LightsDuration: 45–60 minutes
Activity Type: Creative / Cultural / Fine Motor
🌟 Aims and Objectives
To explore Diwali traditions through colour, pattern, and creativity
To stimulate memory, conversation, and sensory engagement
To build a sense of pride and teamwork through collaborative art
To create a bright, festive display celebrating light and hope
🪔 Background / Discussion Starters
Start with conversation and visuals:
Show pictures of Diwali decorations (rangoli, lights, lanterns, diyas).
Ask:
“What do you think of when you see bright colours and lights?”
“Have you ever made paper decorations or cards?”
“What colours remind you of celebration?”
“Why do you think light is important in so many traditions?”
🎨 Materials Needed
Coloured craft paper (red, orange, yellow, gold, blue, purple)
Glitter pens or glue
Scissors (safety scissors if needed)
Glue sticks
Sequins, stickers, metallic foil or tissue paper
Optional: pre-printed diya or lantern outlines to decorate
Coloured pencils, markers
String and pegs (for hanging decorations)
✋ Step-by-Step Instructions
Introduce the idea:Show examples of Diwali art — lanterns, rangoli patterns, diya motifs.
Choose your design:Participants can create one of the following:
A paper diya (lamp)
A paper lantern
A Diwali greeting card
A rangoli-inspired collage using coloured paper shapes
Cut and shape:Trace or draw simple shapes — flames, lamps, stars, or mandalas — then cut them out.
Decorate:Add glitter glue, sequins, coloured tissue, or metallic foil for sparkle.
Assemble:Glue pieces together on card or string multiple pieces to make hanging decorations.
Display:Create a “Festival of Lights” wall or window display using everyone’s artwork.
💬 Prompts for Group Reflection
“Which colours make you feel happy or calm?”
“Do you like candlelight or fairy lights best?”
“What other festivals use light or colour?”
“What would you call your artwork — what does it represent?”
🌼 Extension Ideas
Make paper lantern chains for room décor.
Add participants’ names or wishes for the year ahead to each artwork.
Listen to Indian instrumental music or Bollywood tunes while creating.
Combine this with the Making a Diya Lamp activity for a multi-sensory experience.
🧠 CST Benefits
Cognitive: Pattern recognition, sequencing, and concentration
Social: Shared group creativity and conversation
Emotional: Self-expression, relaxation, and sense of achievement
Sensory: Colour, texture, and visual brightness
Part 5 Refreshment & Song Suggestions
You could listen to Jai Ho from 'Slumdog Millionaire' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc5OyXmHD0w&list=RDYc5OyXmHD0w&start_radio=1
'Whispering Grass' from 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' - https://youtu.be/10dmK7O-KSY?si=KZ3NAIzV_I2mTFJ2
'Ever So Lonely' by Monsoon - https://youtu.be/HOFmDK_1cVg?si=7Z3f3--2zDDu1zHF
'Goodness Gracious Me' by Peter Sllers & Sophia Loren (could be perceived as culturally inappropriate) - https://youtu.be/DUZCXaStvnc?si=ZxHZhRvGYEsqDjLb
'My Sweet Lord' by George Harrison (in praise of the Hindu god Krishna) - https://youtu.be/nrCSqbqDYrk?si=OGpKRjRoCzJxM3-e
As for refreshments, there are of course onion bhajis and vegetable pakoras, chai, kulfi and you could try some Indian sweets
QUIZ ANSWERS
Which gas is the main constituent of the sun? - HELIUM
Which group had a hit with ‘Here Comes The Sun’ in 1969? - 'THE BEATLES'
Which group had a hit with ‘Blue Moon’ in 1961? - 'THE MARCELS'
What creatures lived on the moon in a 1960s children’s TV show? - THE CLANGERS & SOUP DRAGON
Which group had a 1973 hit album with ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’? - 'PINK FLOYD'
Which galaxy does our solar system sit in? - THE MILKY WAY
What is the name of our brightest star? - SIRIUS
Name the planets? - MERCURY, VENUS, EARTH, MARS, JUPITER, SATURN, URANUS, AND NEPTUNE (PLUTO IS NO LONGER REGARDED AS A PLANET)
Who composed ‘The Planets Suite’ in 1917? - GUSTAV HOLST
Who had a hit in with the song ‘Lucky Stars’? - DEAN FRIEDMAN
What do you see at the beginning of the end of a total eclipse? - DIAMOND RING
Which artist had a hit with ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart ‘ in 1983? - BONNIE TYLER
Which Crimean war nurse was known as “The lady with the lamp”? - FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
Which group won Eurovision in 1997 with the song ‘Love Shine A Light’? - 'KATRINA AND THE WAVES'
Which animal advertised ‘Duracell’ batteries? - PINK BUNNY
What is the proper name for ‘The Northern Lights? - AURORA BOREALIS
Which group had a hit in 1978 with the song ‘Northern Lights’? - 'RENAISSANCE'
What is the name of the biggest match manufacturer in the UK? - 'SWAN VESTA'
What year (nearest guess) did Guido Fawkes attempt to blow up the Houses Of Parliament? - 5 NOVEMBER 1605
What is molten rock from a volcano called? - MAGMA
Which ancient Italian city was destroyed by pyroclastic flow in 79AD? - POMPEII
Who starred in the 1970s TV sitcom ‘Up Pompeii’? - FRANKIE HOWERD
Are glowing worms and fireflies the same creature? - NO, SAME FAMILY THOUGH
What causes bioluminescence in algae? - CHEMICAL REACTION
What is the traffic lights sequence in the UK? - RED → RED AND AMBER → GREEN → AMBER → RED
What is the natural colour of neon? - IT IS COLOURLESS BUT GLOWS ORANGE IN A VACUUM
What is the saying about lightning? - IT NEVER STRIKES TWICE
Who had a hit in 1971 with 'Morning Has Broken'? - CAT STEVENS (YUSUF ISLAM)
Which alien wanted to go home in a movie? - 'E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL'
Name all nine of Santa’s reindeer in ‘T’was The Night Before Christmas? - DASHER, DANCER, PRANCER, VIXEN, COMET, CUPID, DONNER, BLITZEN, AND RUDOLPH
Name the fairy in the 1904 book by JM. Barrie ‘Peter Pan’? - TINKERBELL
Name the phoenix in the 2007 Harry Potter movie 'Order Of The Phoenix'? - FAWKES
Name the dragon in J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 book ‘The Hobbit’? - SMAUG
How many wishes did the genie grant Aladdin when he rubbed the lamp? - THREE
(What would yours be?)
Which two nations are fighting with light sabres in the 1977 movie ‘Star Wars’? - JEDI & SITH
Who played the character ‘Will’oTheWisp’ in the 1970s children animation? - KENNETH WILLIAMS
Who played the immortal queen in the 1965 movie ‘She’? - URSULA ANDRESS
Who found ‘The Ark Of The Covenant’ in the 1981 movie ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’? - INDIANA JONES
Who starred in the 1987 movie 'Legend' which sees the Prince of Darkness defeated? - TOM CRUISE
What was the name of ‘The Hobbit’ who eventually destroyed the ring in the movie ‘Lord Of The Rings’? - FRODO
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