Films help to shine a light on Diwali

Schoolchildren in County Durham have been learning more about how the religious celebration Diwali is marked in the North East as part of International Education Week.

The series of films, which have been commissioned by Durham County Council’s International Office, that are being shown to pupils this week also explain the significance of the historic festival in the Hindu calendar.

Diwali is the festival of lights, usually lasting five days, and it was recently celebrated as the latest festival took place between November 12 and 16.

A film-maker had exclusive access to a Hindu temple in the North East and spoke with the priest and members of the community.

He also filmed in two homes and spoke with Hindu students at Durham University about Diwali celebrations in India and in the North East.

All filming was compliant with current social distancing restrictions.

In addition, working with local multicultural arts agency GemArts, three further workshop videos have been produced. They have been shared with more than 40 County Durham schools.

The other activity relating to Diwali involved pupils and their teachers being able to put questions to a member of the Hindu community during a special online event last Friday.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “It’s important for pupils to recognise the different cultures and faiths in their communities, which is why our International Office decided to produce these informative films all about Diwali.

“We hope that all of our schoolchildren have enjoyed the programme and learned more about the festivities.”