Diwali Awareness In Schools

School Projects

Cultural inclusion starts with recognition

Cultural awareness and representation matter in life. Especially when you're in school and are seen as the 'different' one. For Indian American students, especially those growing up as one of the few—or the only—Desi kid in their class, Diwali can feel like a secret holiday. While others share Christmas gifts or Hanukkah money, many Indian children quietly light diyas at home, wear their colorful clothes, and return to school the next day having to explain, justify, or even hide their celebrations.

💔 When students are bullied or excluded for being “different,” for eating different food, wearing different clothes, or celebrating different festivals, it can deeply affect their self-esteem and sense of belonging.

This is where you come into the picture by raising awareness about our rich culture and heritage, by talking to the schools and providing them information and activities which highlight the positives in our culture and background. With recognition of Diwali as a holiday and within schools, through a storybook, an art activity, or a school-wide message, it is a simple but powerful way to fight ignorance with light.

1. It Makes Indian American Students Feel Seen and Valued

When schools recognize Diwali, they send a message:
“Your culture matters. Your story is part of our story.”

This boosts pride and confidence in kids who often feel pressure to “blend in” instead of shining bright in their own light.

2. It Teaches All Students to Appreciate, Not Judge, Differences

Children aren’t born with bias—they learn it.
By learning about Diwali, students discover the values behind it: light over darkness, kindness, family, and new beginnings. These are universal themes that connect all cultures.

3. It Builds Inclusive Classrooms and Safer Spaces

When a classroom talks about multiple traditions—not just one dominant culture—it helps all students develop empathy, curiosity, and respect.
And students who feel included are less likely to be bullied—and more likely to stand up for others.

What can you or your local school do?

• Contact the teacher a few months prior to Diwali in October/November. Ask the teacher to initiate projects/discussions which are Diwali or India centric. Offer assistance, if needed. Build Diwali awareness and cultural significance activities in the school classroom and school library.

• Provide ideas or create toolkits around famous scientists in India and their contributions (Aryabhatta, Concept of Zero, Decimal system), yoga/meditation and other Diwali centric activities.

Cultural Awareness and Respect

Promote understanding of Diwali's importance through school-led initiatives and projects that highlight Indian contributions to California and the USA.

Talk about famous Indians and their contributions (Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, Sanjay Gupta, etc...)

Have the school cafeteria serve Indian food and discuss spices and their benefits and how Columbus found the USA in his quest for spices. One of the parents of the Gujarati Association was successful in doing this and indicated the school serves Indian food on a regular basis.

Community Involvement

Encourage collaboration between schools and local organizations to celebrate Diwali and its rich cultural heritage in California.

• Get a henna artist or learn how to apply henna to kids in school

• Order books about Diwali and donate them to the school library

• Invite a community member to do a yoga/meditation session and explain its significance

• Teach the kids how to do rangoli and its significance

Contact Local Schools

If you have more activity suggestions, do email us. We have to raise Diwali awareness and contributions of Indians in California together.

Let's Make History!