Diwali Resources
Rangoli
A colourful design called a Rangoli is made near the entrance to a house to welcome guests. Traditionally they are painted or created out of coloured sand/rice powder. A symmetrical design or picture (Gods, Goddess, Dancers, Diwas etc.) is drawn and coloured rice powder/sand is then layered on top to form a picture.
A symmetrical design like the one opposite can be drawn on paper or card and then decorated by children with crumpled tissue paper. Also sand could be used, mixed with paint or coloured with food colourings. (mix sand with water coloured with food colourant, pour off excess and leave to dry in a warm place). Chalk could also be used to draw a Rangoli directly on to paving stones in a secure outside area.
Diwa
A Diwa is a small light that is lit especially at Diwali. They are usually made of clay. Ghee (clarified butter) or oil is used as the fuel and cotton wool as the wick. Sometimes they are made by part filling a glass with coloured water, Ghee is floated on top, and again cotton wall used as a wick.
Children could make there own Diwa with air dry clay or play dough. For safety reason these should not be lit with Ghee and cotton wool. Childminders may however like to light a candle out of reach of children.
