Franklin Park School PTO Invites you to Participate in the

Celebration of Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights and New Year)

Date: Friday, October 21, 2011

Time: 6 – 8 pm

Place: FPS Cafetorium

Dress Code: Traditional Indian Clothes Encouraged (Please feel free to borrow clothes from Indian friends if you do not have any)

Come and experience this unique event where you will learn about Diwali, its meaning and history, cultural significance and how it is celebrated worldwide…

Be prepared to explore and enjoy:

! Arts and crafts activities ! Henna tattoos ! Indian music and dance ! Fashion show featuring students in traditional Indian clothing ! Delicious Indian food and refreshments (for sale)

How Students Can Participate…

1. Enter “What Does Diwali Mean to Me” Contest – Best entries will be featured at the event! Details on back page….entries due by Friday, October 14

2. Participate in fashion show – let us know if you are interested by Tuesday, October 11 3. Participate in dance performance – let us know if you are interested by Tuesday, October 11 4. Attend the event with family and friends and wear traditional Indian clothes!!

Please complete and return by Tuesday, October 11

Student Name: ________________________________ Grade: ______ Teacher’s Name: _______________________

Yes, will attend Diwali Event. # Attending: ____ Interested in participating in Fashion Show (provide contact info below) Interested in participating in Dance Performance (provide contact info below) Contact Phone #: __________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

Calling all Volunteers…

We need your time, talent and support to make this event a success! If you can assist with any of the following, please contact the coordinators immediately (contact info below) or complete form below:

" Event Planning – join the committee and help in any and all aspects of the event " Arts and Crafts Activities – plan, set-up and supervise various activity stations " Henna – we need anyone who can do simple henna designs for the kids at the event " Food/Refreshments – prepare/cook Indian food, setup and supervise food station " Music – provide music, entertainment system, etc. " Fashion Show & Dance Performance – planning and execution " Decorations – provide traditional Indian/Diwali decorations " Event Set-up and Clean-up

Thank you for your support!

Event Coordinators: Nimisha Bhatt (nimishabhatt@hotmail.com or 732-297-8330), Janaki Kharod (jdkharod@hotmail.com), Parul Patel (pnp72@yahoo.com)

“What Does Diwali Mean to Me” Contest Details

Requirements:

To enter the contest, please write a short essay, create a poster or artwork (drawing, painting, etc.) that describes or depicts what the festival of Diwali means to you. You could include:

! Why and how the festival is celebrated (food, clothes, decorations, fireworks, etc.)

! Your thoughts and feelings about the festival, etc.

In addition to your submission, include your name, grade, teacher’s name and contact phone number & email. Entries should be submitted to class teacher for drop-off in PTO Mailbox in the Main Office.

Due Date: Friday, October 14.

Criteria for Selection:

" The entry is the student’s original work " The entry describes/depicts an aspect of the festival of Diwali and is superior in quality

An independent panel of judges composed of school staff and PTO committee members will select the best entries to recognize and highlight at the event.

Please complete and return by Tuesday, October 11

Parent Name(s): _________________________________________ I am interested in helping with:

Contact Phone #: __________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

Food/refreshments Music Fashion Show & Dance

Decorations Event Set-up and Clean-up

Event Planning Arts and Crafts Activities Henna