Youngsters celebrate Diwali

Buy photos » Tamsin Hasley, Estelle Hanson and Olivia Ingram with some of the Diwali sweets. s

YOUNGSTERS from South Birmingham have been taking part in a variety of themed activities to celebrate Diwali.

There was a variety of craft activities at St Stephen's Stay and Playgroup for children up to five and the Plus 2s listened to a traditional Diwali story about Rama and Sita and how the kind Monkey King helped Rama find his princess Sita.

They also had a group activity of making Diwali sweets, which also encouraged turn-taking, sharing and being kind.

Stay and playgroup leader Jules Kite-Lightfoot said: “The aim of the Diwali theme was to introduce the children at a young age to different religions and cultures.”

Children from Jellybabies Nursery and Pre-School, based at Longbridge Methodist Church, re-enacted the story of Rama and Sita and tried their hand at rangoli patterns and Toran decorations as part of their Diwali celebrations.

One of the parents also brought in Diwali sweets for the children to try.

Nursery manager Jacqueline Walker said: “We feel that it is very important for the children to learn about other cultures and traditions and how they are celebrated.”

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