Diwali

In a heartwarming display of cultural exchange and celebration, Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy was lucky enough to be visited by two Sikh priests to mark the joyous occasion of Diwali, bringing with them the beautiful sound of traditional Sikh music.

As the festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated around the world, it holds special significance in the Sikh community. Known as the "Festival of Lights," Diwali marks the return of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, to Amritsar after being freed from imprisonment. The festival is a time for joy, reflection, and sharing.

The visit was not just an educational moment but a musical celebration. The Sikh priests, dressed in traditional attire, brought with them their instruments and treated our students to a very special performance. The music filled the Winter Gardens, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The priests played several pieces, inviting the students to listen and feel the rhythm and devotion behind the music. Attenborough College was also treated to their own very special assembly.

For some students, the performance was their first introduction to Diwali from the Sikh perspective. The event was part of an ongoing effort by the school to foster an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding. Teachers explained the historical significance of the Sikh contribution to Diwali, emphasising the values of freedom, light over darkness, and hope that are central to the festival in tutor time.

The students were actively engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the meaning behind the music, the instruments used, and how the Sikh community celebrates Diwali. 

The visit was more than just a musical performance—it was an effort to bridge cultures and foster understanding. The Sikh priests took time to speak about the core principles of Sikhism, such as seva (selfless service), simran (remembrance of God), and langar (community service), which are central to the Diwali celebrations in the Sikh tradition.

The school’s diverse student body, which includes children from various cultural and religious backgrounds, was visibly moved by the music and the message of unity that the priests conveyed. Several students expressed how the experience had broadened their understanding of Diwali and made them more curious to learn about the Sikh faith.

In the Sikh tradition, Diwali is not only a time for celebration but also for reflection and renewal. The festival emphasizes the importance of dispelling darkness—both physical and spiritual—and embracing light. This message resonated with the students, many of whom commented on the parallels between Diwali and other cultural celebrations of light and renewal.