Children at the Old Vicarage and Hollingarth Day Nurseries have been celebrating Diwali.

Despite a second national lockdown, the Barrow nurseries brought the Hindu Festival of Lights to their classrooms.

Throughout the week, the children learned all about Diwali.

The children read nursery age books about Hindu deities, including Hanuman and Sita.

The Mail:

Traditional Diwali diyas were made and decorated.

Melissa Taylor, Duckling Room leader at the Old Vicarage Day Nursery, said: “All of the children were really excited to celebrate Diwali, especially as we have children in the class who celebrate the festival at home.

“We have had activities running all week and some of the class have even come to nursery in their traditional Indian dress.

“I think it was really special that we all got to share the experience and learn together.”

The children also got the chance to taste some Indian herbs and spices as part of the nurseries’ sensory activity.

Following this, the children then got to enjoy a Diwali-style banquet, which included a variety of Indian foods.

The Mail:

Paige McDermott, Robin Room leader at Hollingarth Day Nursery, said: “At Hollingarth Day Nursery we all think it is so important to celebrate cultural diversity and festivals from all over the world.

“The children have loved learning about something totally new and really enjoyed dancing and celebrating.”

Gabrielle Rowley, manager at both nursery sites, said: “I am always so impressed with the creativity that our staff bring to nursery and it really inspires the children.

“Watching the children in the Duckling and Robin classrooms embrace the festival and spend all day with smiles from ear to ear was so heart-warming and cheerful, especially in the current climate when we have full lockdown.”