Making a Diya for Diwali (primary)

Design and make a ghee lamp to celebrate Diwali

Lots of people across the world celebrate Diwali, which is known as the festival of lights. Can you make a diya lamp for use during the celebrations? Traditionally made from clay or mud, diyas are an oil lamp that are considered to bring good fortune.

In this activity, learners will make a diya lamp using air drying clay. They will first create a pinch pot before making this into the shape for the diya. Once dry, they will design and decorate the lamp by adding colour and then use it to see how well it works.

This is one of a series of resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of Diwali to develop their knowledge and skills in design and technology and art.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You can download our step-by-step instructions as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation

And don’t forget to share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETEducation