By BIS Correspondents for BIS Mumbai

Every year, the festival of Diwali calls for the celebration of the victory of light over darkness bringing together young and old for festivities and good cheer. From colourful rangolis to brightly lit diyas, here’s how institutions in the INB Province celebrated the festival of lights.

Don Bosco Chhatralya, Chhotaudepur, celebrated Diwali with great joy and enthusiasm on the evening of November 3, 2026 bringing together the Salesian community and boarders for a memorable celebration filled with cultural performances, music, dance and fellowship. One of the highlights of the evening was the lighting of the campfire, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. The evening concluded with an energetic Timli, a traditional tribal dance form of the region, which got the students enthusiastically joining the dance, making the finale lively and memorable.

Don Bosco English Medium School, Chhotaudepur, celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm on November 4, 2026, also marking the conclusion of the first semester. The major attractions of the celebration were the Rangoli Competition and the Diya Colouring Competition giving the children an opportunity to bring out their artistic talents and work together in teams. Addressing the students, Fr Selvin D’Mello, the Principal, conveyed his Diwali greetings, reminded everyone about the true meaning of the festival and encouraged the children to celebrate an eco-friendly and pollution-free Diwali by avoiding firecrackers. As the school closed for the semester break, the celebration sent the children home with joyful hearts.

The Diwali celebration at Don Bosco English Medium School, Kapadvanj brought together the entire Don Bosco Family in a spirit of happiness and togetherness on November 4, 2026. The school campus was beautifully decorated for the festival and a colourful rangoli added beauty to the surroundings, while the creatively decorated notice board brought an additional festive touch. The enthusiasm in the celebration peaked when everyone joined in bursting crackers, sharing moments of joy across generations. Small Diwali gifts were then presented to the children, bringing smiles to their faces and making the occasion memorable.

Don Bosco Edu Complex, Yerwada celebrated Diwali with fervor by commencing the service with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. The significance of Diwali was beautifully explained through a video presentation. The celebration highlighted the significance of the five days of Diwali and the importance of spreading happiness and joy. Fr Glen Fernandes, the Principal of the school, shared an inspiring message highlighting the importance of this festival and its values of goodness, love and togetherness. The programme concluded with a prayer service and the students taking a pledge to avoid crackers, reduce pollution and keep the environment clean and pollution-free, celebrating an eco-friendly and meaningful Diwali.

A spirit of joy, togetherness and festivity filled the campus of Don Bosco School CBSE, Borivli, as the school celebrated both Diwali and Children’s Day bringing together students, parents and teachers for the festivities. Celebrations began with the kindergarten section, on November 3, where parents enthusiastically volunteered to decorate their respective classrooms. The next day, Junior KG and Senior KG children enjoyed a time of fun, dance, exciting games and engaging activities organised especially for them. The celebration across the school continued with a special assembly conducted by the Cultural Council which highlighted the significance of Diwali and Children’s Day. A variety of recreational and creative activities were then conducted in classrooms offering students an opportunity to showcase their talents, strengthen friendships and enjoy a refreshing break from their regular academic routine.

Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala celebrated Diwali on November 7, 2026. The celebration began in the evening with residents making rangoli designs, followed by a prayer service on the theme of light in the hall. In his Diwali message, Father Rudolf D'Souza, Director of Shelter Don Bosco, said the festival, celebrated on the darkest night of the lunar month, is a reminder that hope remains even in times of loss, failure, and uncertainty. He described the 10 heads of Ravana as symbols of the desire for pleasure, wealth, power, position, and fame that puts personal gratification at the centre of life. Hardships, Father D'Souza said, can lead to inner change and lasting peace, and people welcome God into their hearts through honesty, forgiveness, selfless service, and good choices. The deeper call of Diwali, he added, is to remove the darkness within through wisdom and self-knowledge. He closed with the Vedic prayer, "Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light." Games and homemade sweets followed, and the evening ended with music and dance.

The celebrations in these Don Bosco institutes truly showcase the beauty of the festival of Diwali in spreading light and happiness. Wishing everyone a joyful and festive Diwali!