St. Margaret’s TIDE Leadership Group Leads Celebration of Diwali in Upper School

St. Margaret’s Tartan Inclusion and Diversity Education (TIDE) Upper School student leadership group led a celebration of Diwali this week, marking the festive holiday in both Advisory and Chapel.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and takes place over several days during the new moon in the lunar month of Kartika. St. Margaret’s has celebrated the holiday and educated students in all divisions on the holiday’s significance in India and around the world.

TIDE led an activity this week that introduced Upper School students to Rangoli, an art form closely associated with Diwali. Rangoli is usually created with colored powder and rice, which are displayed in front of houses and meant to bring happiness and prosperity. Upper School students had the opportunity to create Rangoli during their Advisory this week, using colored pencils and paper.

In addition, this week’s Upper School Chapel featured a presentation about Diwali by Upper School senior and TIDE member Riya Reddy, who recited this prayer to fellow Upper School students:

 

Asatoma satgamaya
Thamasoma jotirgamaya
Mrithyorma amritangamaya
Om shanti shanti shanti hi

Lead us from ignorance to truth 
Lead us from darkness to brilliant light
Lead us from death to eternal life
May the universe be filled with peace, love, and light