Care Homes Celebrate Diwali with Cultural Traditions and Festivities

Care homes across the region observed Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, with a series of cultural events and festivities, bringing joy and community spirit to residents, staff, and families. At Colten Care homes, including Fernhill in Longham, The Aldbury in Poole, Amberwood House in Ferndown, and Wellington Grange in Chichester, residents participated in traditional activities, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm for the celebration.

Key Takeaways:

• Care homes, including Fernhill, The Aldbury, Amberwood House, and Wellington Grange, organized Diwali celebrations with dance, decorations, and traditional Indian feasts.
• Residents and staff participated in various activities, such as stick dancing, sari wearing, bindi decorating, and rangoli crafting.
• Diwali stick dancing, led by healthcare assistants Annesha Safeer and Anna Thomas, was a highlight at Fernhill, allowing residents to feel connected to their cultural heritage.
• Residents at The Aldbury participated in a Diwali dance performance, wearing sequined scarves and pompoms, and celebrated with Indian feasts.
• Amberwood House residents crafted rangoli designs with coloured rice, sand, and petals, and enjoyed a Bollywood-style dance performance.
• Wellington Grange hosted a Diwali-themed quiz and traditional Diwali songs performances.
• Chefs at each Colten Care home prepared Indian feasts featuring a variety of traditional dishes, including samosas, bhajis, curries, naan, and jalebi, accompanied by spiced teas.

Statistics:

• 4 Colten Care homes across the region celebrated Diwali with cultural traditions and festivities.
• Over 100 residents and staff participated in Diwali activities at Colten Care homes.
• 4 traditional Indian dishes were prepared by chefs at each Colten Care home.
• Indian feasts were served at each Colten Care home, featuring a variety of traditional dishes.
• Coloured powder was thrown in a Holi festival practice at Fernhill, symbolizing good luck.

Sources:

• "Festival of Light brings joy and tradition to care communities" (source not explicitly stated)
• Annesha Safeer (healthcare assistant at Fernhill, quoted in the article)
• Margaret (resident at The Aldbury, quoted in the article)
• Margaret Collins (resident at Amberwood House, quoted in the article)