Last October, our campus was illuminated not only by lamps and vibrant colour, but by a renewed sense of togetherness as families gathered for our annual Deepavali Community Event. Embracing a refreshed format, this year’s celebration offered multiple ways for families to connect, participate, and share in the joy of the Festival of Light.
The evening opened with cultural performances that beautifully reflected the diversity of our community. Parents and students took to the stage with pride, sharing dance, music, and readings inspired by traditions from regions where Deepavali is deeply rooted. These performances highlighted values at the heart of the festival – hope, renewal, and unity, reminding us that while our stories may differ, the light they bring is shared by all.

From the auditorium, families moved to the canteen, where the celebration was most vividly felt through the sharing of food. Festival dishes rich in colour, flavour, and tradition became invitations to talk, taste, and connect. Familiar aromas sparked conversations, while new families were warmly welcomed into our community.

Traditional activities added further meaning to the evening. At the henna station, hands young and old were adorned with intricate designs, offering moments of quiet joy and reinforcing that celebrations are as much about relationships as they are about tradition.
The night concluded with a lively transformation of the auditorium into a Light Party, filled with music, neon colour, and laughter. As families, students, and staff danced and celebrated together, the deeper spirit of Deepavali felt unmistakable.
Events like these reflect the rich cultural tapestry at our international school in Singapore, where NLCS (Singapore) embraces diverse traditions and brings families together in meaningful celebration. Light shared is light multiplied, and this celebration showed once again how brightly our community shines when we come together.