Diwali

 Introduction and origin –

Diwali also known as Deepawali is one of India’s biggest Festivals. The word 'Deepawali' means rows of lighted lamps. It is a festival of lights and Hindus celebrate it with joy. Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It is the festival of light, celebrated all over India marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. It is said that Rama returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana on the day of Diwali. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his homecoming at lit their houses with Diyas. It is a festival of light, joy, and prosperity. This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartikamasam falls sometime during October or November. In India it is celebrated by Hindus, Jain, and Sikhs.

Deepawali is celebrated and is a public holiday in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, and Tobago. It is also a school holiday in many states of the United States with a large Hindu population.

Ways of celebration-

A few days before Diwali people whitewash their houses and on Diwali, they decorate their houses with diyas and candles. Temples are beautifully decorated. People also worship Goddess Laxmi on this day. It is believed that she visits the house of devotees on this Day. Another name of Diwali is Laxmi Pooja. On this day prayers are offered to worship Goddess of wealth Laxmi. People wear new clothes and make Rangoli burst crackers and exchange gifts and sweet packs.

 

How kids celebrate Diwali-

Diwali is the favorite festival for kids as it gives them chance to celebrate their time with Crackers. Kids on this day wake up early take bath and wear new clothes, spend their day eating delicious sweets and food cooked in the house. In the evening kids offer prayer to Goddess Laxmi and lit the lamps and candles at sunset and start firing crackers. Kids also seek blessings from elders by touching their feet. The dark night of Amawas glows brightly by the lamps lit on Diwali. The fireworks on Diwali are said to destroy the insects that flourished at that time. Diwali is the Festival of Happiness.

 

  BOOKS ON Diwali-

·         The Diwali gift  (link)

·         Amma, tell me about Diwali (link)

·         Diwali, A cultural Adventure (link)

·         Binny’s  Diwali  (link)

·         Let’s celebrate Diwali (link)

·         Lights, Camera, Diwali (link)

·         Diwali: festival of lights (link)

 

 

Ways to wish on Diwali-

• Happy Diwali! May blessings of wealth and beauty abound to you!
•  Blessings from the Supreme Light of Lights is upon you!
• May God bring all the happiness and beauty to your life this Diwali.
• Here’s to every joy and blessing this Diwali! Happy Diwali
• For every light you see this year, may the blessings of Diwali shine even brighter for you
• All of the lamps and all of the fireworks will brighten every step forward for you this Diwali!

 

Gifts on Diwali –

·         Set of candles (link)

·         Sweetbox (link)

·         Lights (link)

·         Diwali Decorative Items (link)

·         Dry fruits box (link)