Today, 28th October, is the day before the Diwali holiday break and the children of the Shiva Ji Mission School are all extremely excited. Diwali is the Hindu celebration of lights, and it is very much a family occasion. In Varanasi, it is the equivalent of Christmas in a Christian nation. No matter how little or how much the children and their families have, they are all excited and the city itself is abuzz with the same excitement.
When we arrive at the school to share bananas with the 250 students, some of the children from the middle classes are out gardening and cleaning the school under the supervision of older students and one teacher.
When we arrive at the school to share bananas with the 250 students, some of the children from the middle classes are out gardening and cleaning the school under the supervision of older students and one teacher.
Others are seated in their classrooms having reading lessons. But when they see us they become even more exuberant in their joy, adding to the festive feeling. Usually there is some reserve but today they are jumping and calling loudly, competing for conversation and photos and filled with vitality and life. On this day preceding the holidays the teachers forgo discipline, and allow the students to express this natural joy and innocent delight.
Today each of the younger students receive 2 fresh, ripe bananas while the older students receive 3 because of the reduced number of students. A nutritious and healthy start to the holiday festivities.
Today each of the younger students receive 2 fresh, ripe bananas while the older students receive 3 because of the reduced number of students. A nutritious and healthy start to the holiday festivities.
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