BIFU Diwali Celebration

On October 21, BASIS Independent Fremont Upper School held its annual Diwali celebration event. Associated with the gods of wisdom and prosperity, Diwali is a holiday to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. While it is a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by people of many faiths and has become a symbol of community and harmony.

Parent volunteers began planning the decorations, dance, activities, and fundraising for the Diwali celebration a month in advance — attending weekly Zoom meetings, coordinating volunteers, and encouraging students and teachers of all backgrounds to dress in traditional Indian clothing and celebrate Diwali together as a community.

Parents began work early in the morning to decorate the campus as many students and staff arrived wearing traditional Indian attire. Flower garlands hung from the patio, and a photo booth with a diya backdrop stood on the field. Umbrellas embedded with traditional Indian designs and colors adorned the school, while lotus centerpieces decked the lunch tables. Indian snacks were catered, including samosas (a fried and savory triangular pastry) and gulab jamun (fried dessert balls dipped in sugar syrup). After eating, students had the opportunity to partake in a variety of fun activities to celebrate cultural traditions, including rangoli and diya-crafting stations and bingo games set up by the parents. There was also a temporary tattoo (mehndi) station that showcased both stylized and traditional designs.

While other activities were fun and engaging, the Bollywood flash mob ultimately became the highlight of the event. Parents assembled on the field and led the students and staff in dance to some of Bollywood’s most popular songs, including Kala Chasma from the movie Baar Baar Dekho, Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, and Kamariya from Mitron. Not only was the flash mob an exhilarating experience, it also reflected the modernization and evolution of this traditional festival.

The Diwali event served as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of BASIS Independent Fremont’s school community. The happiness and enthusiasm that filled the school that day was indicative of the Diwali spirit in the air — a celebration of the love and light we share with the people closest to us.