Residents and colleagues at Wellford Gardens care home in Wheatley came together for a colourful afternoon celebrating Diwali. Residents joined in the festivities and learned more about the customs and beliefs behind the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. For many families, it is a time for prayer and gathering with loved ones. One of its best-known traditions is lighting diyas, small oil lamps that symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. The occasion carries different meanings across faiths. Jains mark the spiritual liberation of Mahavira, while Sikhs commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment at this time of year.
Rachel Joyce, Home Manager at Wellford Gardens, said,
It was lovely to see residents enjoying the afternoon together and taking an interest in the traditions behind Diwali. Thank you to everyone who helped make it special, and happy Diwali to all who celebrate.
Celebrating different cultures in a care home gives residents a chance to stay connected to traditions that matter to them and share them with others. Inviting residents to choose which occasions they want to celebrate and how they mark them helps make the home feel like their own. A familiar song, a favourite dish or a story about how their family celebrated can bring back memories and help residents get to know one another.