Diwali, a vibrant celebration of light, colour, and culture, is perfect for creative classroom art projects. From abstract designs to rangoli patterns, pupils can explore the festival’s deeper symbolism. This blog offers Diwali-themed art ideas, suitable for various key stages, which have been inspired by artists and traditional crafts.

Diwali Lights

Age group: Key stage 2

Linked artist: Sayed Haider Raza

Artist background: Sayed Haider (S.H.) Raza is an Indian painter known for his abstract art, using geometric shapes and bright colours to explore themes of Indian culture, including Diwali.

Learning objective: Use abstract shapes and colours to create art inspired by S.H. Raza’s geometric style, exploring the symbolism of light in Diwali.

Activity: 

• Show examples of S.H. Raza’s abstract paintings, particularly his use of geometric shapes and the symbolism of light.
• Ask the children to describe how Raza uses shapes and colours to represent ideas such as energy and movement.
• Explain that S.H. Raza often used abstract forms to represent the concept of light and its spiritual significance, which is central to Diwali.
• Discuss the symbolism of light in Diwali – how does it represent knowledge, goodness, and the victory of light over darkness?
• Provide the children with paint, oil pastels, or coloured paper for collage. Ask them to create an abstract piece representing light using geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, or squares. Encourage them to focus on how different shapes and colours can represent the energy and brightness of Diwali lights.

Rangoli Art

Age group: Any key stage

Linked artist: Bharti Dayal

Artist background: Bharti Dayal is an artist known for her contemporary renditions of rangoli art, which combine traditional patterns with modern materials.

Learning objective: Use your understanding of rangoli patterns to create a design inspired by Bharti Dayal. Focus on symmetry, and use colours that symbolise Diwali.

Activity:

• Show examples of Bharti Dayal’s rangoli art, highlighting her intricate designs and use of bright colours.
• Ask the children to think about how symmetry and repeated patterns are used in rangoli.
• Explain that rangoli is an important part of Diwali, where people create patterns on the ground to welcome guests and bring good luck.
• Discuss the significance of shapes and colours in rangoli – how each colour has meaning (e.g., red for love, yellow for knowledge).
• Provide children with templates or allow them to create their own rangoli patterns using chalk, coloured sand, or even paper cut-outs.
• Encourage the children to focus on symmetry and bright colours, similar to Dayal’s work. It could work as a collaborative classroom activity, with pupils working in groups to design larger rangoli patterns on the floor or in outdoor areas.

Diwali Greeting Cards

Age group: Any key stage

Linked artists: Seema Kohli and Siona Benjamin

Artist backgrounds: Seema Kohli is a contemporary Indian artist known for her colourful, detailed works inspired by Indian mythology, spirituality, and festivals such as Diwali. Her art often features swirling patterns, nature, and traditional symbols, making it a perfect inspiration for intricate designs.

Siona Benjamin is an Indian-American artist who mixes Indian cultural motifs with contemporary themes. She often uses rich colours, Hindu iconography, and spiritual symbolism. Her use of Diwali-related symbols can inspire children to incorporate traditional imagery with bold colours in their card designs.

Inspiration: During Diwali, families often exchange greeting cards to share good wishes and blessings. Children can design and make their own personalised Diwali cards.

Activity: 

• Explore the work of the two artists and ask children to discuss what they like about the work and how it makes them feel.
• Consider the main symbols and ideas behind Diwali and see if the children can identify some of the traditional symbols, such as diyas, fireworks, and lotus flowers, in the artwork.
• Ask the children to create their own designs, using the artist’s work as inspiration. Encourage children to write a greeting inside the card, wishing the recipient a happy and prosperous Diwali.

Extension idea: Incorporate printmaking techniques by making stamps for diyas, fireworks or other symbols and using these on the cards.

More Diwali Art Activities

These simple ideas are not focused on any particular artist and can be adapted for any primary-age pupils.

Paper Lanterns (Kandil)

Focus: 3D design, cutting, and folding

Inspiration: Families often hang bright paper lanterns, or ‘kandils’, outside their homes during Diwali to decorate and light up the streets.

Activity: 

• Create kandil paper lanterns by folding and cutting paper into various shapes.
• Decorate the lanterns with patterns, stickers, or eco-friendly glitter and then hang them in the classroom or home.

Diwali Clay Sculptures

Focus: 3D art, modelling, and sculpting (This KS1 Lesson could be adapted for this clay project or for Diya making as it covers the basic moulding skills required)

Activity:

• Using air-dry clay, children create small clay sculptures of traditional Diwali symbols such as diyas, elephants (which represent wisdom and prosperity), or lotus flowers (a symbol of purity).
• Show them how to sculpt simple forms related to Diwali, e.g. diyas and elephants. Once the sculptures are dry, children can paint them in bright, festive colours.

Extension idea: Use glitter or metallic paint to give the sculptures a festive finish.

Traditional Toran Wall Hangings

Focus: Textile arts and cultural decoration

Inspiration: A toran is a traditional decorative wall hanging made from fabric, beads, and bright colours often seen during Diwali.

Activity:

• Show children examples of traditional toran wall hangings and encourage them to create their own, using felt or fabric scraps.
• Glue or sew on beads and sequins to create intricate patterns, making their toran bright and festive.

Extension idea: Children can work in groups to create a large toran for the classroom entrance, similar to how families hang them on their doors for Diwali. This will also work as a paper craft!

These Diwali art activities offer a wonderful way for children to immerse themselves in the festival’s rich traditions and vibrant symbols. Whether through abstract painting, rangoli designs, or crafting decorative lanterns, each activity helps pupils understand the cultural significance of Diwali while developing their artistic skills. By incorporating these ideas into your classroom, you’ll inspire creativity and cultural appreciation during this festive season.