1. Research
a teacher assigned holiday in your new country. Present via Prezi or Power Point the chosen holiday in English. The presentation will include:
name of the holiday
when it is celebrated/observed
historical origin or significance
special food(s)/drink(s)
clothing/dress for the day
visual aids in the Prezi/Power Point
music or video sample associated with this holiday that is appropriate for school
cultural comparison to the US

2. 1. name of the holiday
Diwali in Trinidad
Senora King
Hora 2

3. 2. When it is celebrated/observed
Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated in Trinidad on Amaavasya, the 15th night of the of the month of Kaartik (October/November). 

4. 3. historical origin or significance
The most well known story about Diwali is in the Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Ayodhya was exiled by his father for 14 years. Rama went into exile with his wife Sita and brother, Lakshmana. When Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita and took her to his island kingdom of Lanka, Rama rescued Sita and killed Ravana. They then returned to Ayodhya. The people were very happy to hear of their prince's homecoming. To celebrate Rama's return, they lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), burst crackers and decorated the entire city.

5. 3. historical origin or significance
Diwali is a special occasion for Hindus in Trinidad. The many ceremonies signify one's journey and the qualities that should be fostered for self-enlightenment. One is reminded to wake up from the slumber of ignorance and to pursue knowledge.

6. 4. Special Food and Drink
Sweets are very important to Diwali and one of the most common kinds of food served during the celebration.
The list of special Diwali sweets (Mithai) include Jalebis, Gulab Jamun, Shankarpale, Kheer, Gajar Ka Halwa, Kajoo Barfi, Suji Halwa, Besan Ke Ladoo and Karanji .

7. 4. Special Food and Drink
Along with sweet dishes there are some savory favorites too. These include Dahi-Bhalle, Karanji, Samosas, Pakora, Mathiyaa, Ghathiya and Aloo Tikki.
It is custom to make dishes at home for the celebration. Since many of the savory dishes are fried, it means oil is needed, and the heating up of the oil is synonymous to the celebration of lighting and burning something for the event.
Meat and alcohol are never served at Diwali celebrations.

8. 5. clothing/dress for the day
Diwali clothing can be traditional or trendy. Women wear elegant saris. Men dress in classic but contemporary kurta and dhoti. Young girls wear brightly decorated costumes called lehengas. Boys can dress up in suits or jeans and tee shirts. A cheerful time to "dress for excess," Diwali captures the essence of light and illumination. Costume jewelry adds to the spirit of happiness, and women decorate their hands with Henna or Mehandi.

9. 6. visual aids in the Prezi/Power Point

10. 7. music or video sample associated with this holiday that is appropriate for school
Setting up for Diwali in a small village
Diwali music

11. 8. Cultural Comparison to the USA
The United States does not have a holiday like Diwali. This celebration is a combination of Christmas, New Year’s and Independence Day.

12. Websites Used
TriniView.com
NALIS.com
Bestoftrinidad.com