Diwali celebrations begin for children (From Watford Observer)

Diwali celebrations begin for children

10:48am Sunday 26th October 2008

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BRIGHT costumes and rows of lights marked the beginning of Diwali celebrations in Watford yesterday.

Gujarati students of Watford Language School, aged between five and 16, dressed up as colourful Indian Gods for a party between 10.30am and 1pm.

The school, lead by volunteers, teaches children and teenagers the GCSE course of Gujarati but today they had a break from their studies.

After a feast of Indian food and sweets there was music, dancing and prayers, along with prizes for the best costumes.

Shivani Pau, 15, who has been attending the weekly classes for four years, dressed as Lord Sita for the party.

The Watford Grammar student said: “It has been lots of fun today, a lot of food and dancing.

“I’ve never been to India so it’s really nice to be able to learn about and be able to take part in all the festivals.

“I was born in Britain but my parents are Indian so it’s important for me to know about my history and where my family come from.

“I knew how to speak Gujarati but now I can read and write it, plus a lot of the Indian Watford community go there so it’s really fun.”

Bryag Ranagh, 11, took top prize for his Lord Rama costume; a fitting winner as the celebrations revolve around the home-coming of the God.

Jidu Parmar, chairman of the 20-year-old school, said: “It was a really great celebration.

“We had a lot of wonderful costumes and dancing and they absolutely loved it – they didn’t want to go home.

“The school means the children can learn not only the language but the culture of where their family come from.

“It also promotes good behaviour, social skills and means they’re doing something productive with their Saturday.”

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light, is officially celebrated on Tuesday.

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