Surrey Schools celebrates the festival of lights with Diwali

Newton Elementary students performed a traditional dance as part of their Diwali celebrations.

Schools across Surrey and White Rock today are shining a light on Diwali, India’s biggest and brightest holiday of the year.

Diwali is a festival of light that celebrates the triumph of good (light) over evil (darkness) in South Asian cultures and is celebrated over five days in parts of India. Also known as Deepavali, Diwali gets its name from the row of clay lamps (diya or deepa) that many people light outside their homes. The term ‘Diwali’ directly translates from Sanskrit to ‘row of lights’ and is observed in early autumn after the summer harvest and coinciding with the new moon.

Diwali takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, during which Sikhs, Hindus and Jains light diyas to celebrate the victory of light.

“Diwali is an important occasion for many of our students, parents, staff and families,” said Laurie Larsen, chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “Schools across the district are honouring and recognizing the importance of Diwali to our school communities and celebrating this meaningful holiday.”

Many schools have celebrations planned, including at Frank Hurt and Salish secondary schools, and at the District Education Centre, where students from Newton Elementary and L.A. Matheson Secondary will be performing.

Have a happy and safe Diwali!