This week at Mountbatten Hampshire, we celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a day of creative, colourful activities led by volunteer Alisha, who is Hindu and shared her traditions with our community.

Throughout the morning, people traced around their hands and tried simple henna patterns, with Alisha creating a beautiful design on one of our volunteers. Later, everyone got involved in making rangoli — the traditional doorstep designs that welcome good fortune — using vibrantly dyed rice on cardboard, thanks to Mountbatten Support Worker Michelle, who prepared the colours.

“We celebrate Diwali to bring in light and cast out all the evils and to welcome hope,” said Alisha. “Sharing these traditions here helps people see and experience other cultures in a really joyful, hands-on way.”

Volunteer Pam provided bindis for anyone who wanted to join in the celebration. “It’s been wonderful to see everyone so excited and happy to take part,” Alisha shared. “It’s truly felt like a lovely community.”

From all of us at Mountbatten Hampshire, happy Diwali!