Diwali

Diwali is a festival that is celebrated by Hindus all around the world. It is often
talked about as ‘the festival of light’ because of the tradition of oil lamps that
people use to light homes, shops and public places. This colourful celebration
takes place over three to five days and marks the start of the new year. During
the festivities, families and friends come together to celebrate. The date changes
each year however it usually falls at the end of October or in early November.

The first day of Diwali is a time for cleaning and decorating homes
and shops with rangoli patterns which are made using coloured flour
or flower petals.

The second day is another day for preparations. Henna is painted on hands
and food is prepared for the third day.
 Diwali
The third is the day of Diwali - the main
festival day. Best clothes and jewellery are
worn, lamps are lit and prayers are said to
Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and good
fortune. Hindus believe that Lakshmi walks the
earth on Diwali night so people will put lamps
outside and open their doors and windows to
welcome her inside their homes. Family and
friends visit each other, give gifts and enjoy
food together. Firework displays also take
place. The day after Diwali is when husbands
and wives celebrate their marriage and Bhai
Dooj is the final day of Diwali. On this day,
brothers and sisters show their love by saying
prayers for each other.

Diwali is a festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over
darkness. In the story of Rama and Sita, Rama and his wife were told by his
father and mean stepmother that they must go and live in the forest. Whilst living
in the forest, Ravana the demon king captured Sita. Rama’s friend, Hanuman
the monkey king, found Sita on an island. Rama killed Ravana and rescued Sita.
Rama and his wife safely returned home to their land. People lit lamps and put
them in their windows to welcome them back.

The festival is also celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhis and Newar Buddhists.
They remember the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 princes from prison
in 1619.
 Diwali Questions
1. Fill in the missing words.
is a festival that is by Hindus all
the world.

2. 2. Over how many days does Diwali take place? Tick one.

3 days
6 days
5 days
7 days
3. What is the first day of Diwali a time for?

4. What happens the day after Diwali? Tick two.
Families have a party to celebrate.
Husbands and wives celebrate their marriage.
Brothers and sisters say prayers for each other.
People put lamps outside and open their doors and windows.
5. What is Lakshmi the goddess of? Tick one.
The goddess of thunder and lightning
The goddess of hope
The goddess of love
The goddess of wealth and good fortune

6. Read the following statements and tick whether they are true or false.
True False
Diwali is a festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Rama and his wife were told to go and live in the forest.
Hanuman was a demon king who captured Sita.
Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs.

7. Why do you think cleaning the home is an important part of Diwali? Explain your reasoning.



 Diwali Answers
1. Fill in the missing words.
Diwali is a festival that is celebrated by Hindus all around the world.

2. 2. Over how many days does Diwali take place? Tick one.

3 days
6 days
5 days
7 days
3. What is the first day of Diwali a time for?
The first day of Diwali is a time for cleaning and decorating homes and shops with
rangoli patterns.
4. What happens the day after Diwali? Tick two.
Families have a party to celebrate.
Husbands and wives celebrate their marriage.
Brothers and sisters say prayers for each other.
People put lamps outside and open their doors and windows.
5. What is Lakshmi the goddess of? Tick one.
The goddess of thunder and lightning
The goddess of hope
The goddess of love
The goddess of wealth and good fortune

6. Read the following statements and tick whether they are true or false.
True False
Diwali is a festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Rama and his wife were told to go and live in the forest.
Hanuman was a demon king who captured Sita.
Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs.

7. Why do you think cleaning the home is an important part of Diwali? Explain your reasoning.
Pupils own response, such as: I think cleaning the home is an important part of the first
day of Diwali because Hindus are preparing for a visit from Lakshmi, the goddess of
wealth and good fortune, who they hope will enter their home on the third day bringing
the family prosperity in the year to come.