Happy Diwali! Diwali, also known as Dipawali and the festival of lights, is an important holiday in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is celebrated by people of Hindu and Sikh religions. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that people light outside their homes (National Geographic Kids). The holiday itself symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance” and marks the Hindu New Year.
This year, Diwali takes place on October 31-November 1. The festival can last up to five days in India but is celebrated for just one day in most other places. On the main day of the festival, families gather together to pray to the Goddess Lakshmi and participate in feasts and firework festivities.
Below are some of our resources for children and families to learn more about the Diwali and Hindu culture!
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