Pupils were treated to a vibrant Divali ­presentation in assembly at St Mary s Primary School. Divali is a major religious festival that started as an ancient harvest celebration and is associated with the Hindu faith. It is the Festival of Light, where l

Pupils were treated to a vibrant Divali ­presentation in assembly at St Mary's Primary School.

Divali is a major religious festival that started as an ancient harvest celebration and is associated with the Hindu faith.

It is the Festival of Light, where light signifies the victory of good over evil within every human being.

Dina Mandaria, a devout Hindu, talked to pupils about the festival, showing artefacts from Hendon's Mandir temple, and answering questions.

Staff were dressed in traditional Hindu costume.

Teacher Gavin Pearce said: "We want to raise awareness and tolerance of other faiths by involving our children."

Pupils have made a Divali school hall display, including the Hendon Mandir artefacts.

St Mary's Primary School also plans to visit the Stevenage Mosque, and to create links with other faiths, including Cambridge's Jewish community.

Head teacher Mr Robert Dunbar said: "Children in today's society need to be aware of all those in the community and to understand them, as they will all be working together in the future.