Singing a Song for Diwali with First Grades

This week in music class, first graders started learning a song to sing for the celebration of Diwali. Diwali is an Indian celebration also known as "The Festival of Lights". The holiday commemorates Prince Rama's return to his father's castle after being exiled by his stepmother for 14 years. It also celebrates his defeating the evil King Ravana, who kidnpped his wife, Sita, while Rama and Sita were in exile.

We started music class by hearing two stories about Diwali. One, about the story of Prince Rama, and one about how the holiday is celebrated all over India.

Reading the story of Prince Rama

Learning about celebrating Diwali in India

We learned a very popular song in Hindi called "Om Jay Jagadeesha" taught to Keisha by first grade parent Janani Rangaswami and her son, first grader, Rudy.  Rudy helped Keisha teach the class. It is a very challenging song but our first graders sounded great!

Rudy helping to teach first grade the song Om Jaya Jagadeesha

First graders learning the first part of Om Jaya Jagaseesha

First graders will continue learning the song over the next few lessons. Ask your first grader what they learned about Diwali in music class and see if they can share the song with you!