Diwali assembly lights up the stage

As they entered the cafetorium, students at the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School were handed a battery-operated tea light. The small lights gave off a warm glow as students found their seats and waited to see what would happen. 

They were in for a real treat as a group of their classmates took to the stage to present a performance relating to Diwali—what it is all about, how its celebrated, and just how much fun it can be.

Student performers had been rehearsing for several weeks to create a bright, energetic and informative event that included a history lesson, songs and dance. The audience was told how the holiday, celebrated by Hindus among others, is a multi-day festival that celebrates light overcoming darkness and a way to celebrate the return of King Rama to his lands many centuries ago.

“It’s a festival of light, and marks the new year,” said parent volunteer Mahima Caprihan, who helped organize the assembly along with fellow parents Sasya Geedipalli and Samrat Saran.

"Ms. Taylor is very committed to diversity in this school,” she said of the principal. “This is an expression of looking at a different culture.”

Ms. Caprihan added that the performance, which was funded by the PTA, allows the performers to showcase their talents, which included storytelling, singing and dancing, and enables them to take pride in their culture.

“Understanding history is very important for our community,” she said. “This is more precious than what I get paid to do in my day job,” she said with a laugh.

The assembly also included an interactive performance with dancer Megha Kalia, owner of dance studio NYC Bhangra. Ms. Kalia invited a group of enthusiastic students up on the stage with her and walked them through several steps of an Indian dance.

A special thank you to the following performers for their contributions to this special show:

Kindergarteners: Rohan Kumar, Ayra Chandaran, Kiara Jha 

1st graders: Lucas D., Kiran K., Nina S., Nasiha B., Moira K., Savera D.

2nd graders: Alyssa D., Mehraj S., Arya A., Rohan P., Navya S., Manav M.

3rd graders: Aarav B., Medha M., Shireen K., Nysa A.

4th graders: Sabhyas S., Ravya J., Vivek A.

5th graders: Ayush R., Vihan D., Advita N.