The Hindu goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, is worshipped during Diwal. Lamps are lit to encourage her to visit homes.
Teach your children about Diwali using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Find out about the stories that are told at Diwali. Could you retell them in the form of comic strips, or perform them using puppets?
- Think of words related to the topic of Diwali and make a glossary or word mat to explain what they mean.
- Make a Diya card.
- Plan and make a Diwali feast.
- Use chalk to make a rangoli pattern.
- Listen to some Diwali music.
- Make a diya lamp using air-dry clay or this quick-drying salt dough recipe.
Resources
- Download our Diwali Pack, it is full of information and resources.
- Our Diwali Countdown is perfect for the run-up to the festival.
- Use our Diwali Banner on your display boards.
- Reading Museum has some great dance resources linked to Diwali.
- This site for ESOL learners has interactive quizzes and comprehension activities about Diwali.
Diwali Facts
- Diwali is a festival of light which is celebrated in India and across the world.
- The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It begins 2 days before the new moon appears.
- The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means “row of lighted lamps”.
- Diwali is celebrated between the middle of October and the middle of November; the exact date changes every year.
Videos
CBeebies Diwali
Younger children will enjoy this video about how Deeya and her mum prepare for and celebrate Diwali.
Running time: 3:05
The Hindu story of Rama and Sita
This animation retells the story of Rama and Sita.
Running time: 5:02
Diwali – Mira, Royal Detective
This Disney song is a fun way to learn about the traditions of Diwali.
Running time: 1:40
The festival of Diwali
This video shows the preparations and celebrations for Diwali.
Running time: 4:00
Books
The Best Diwali Ever
A magical story about celebrating Diwali – and trying to win the rangoli competition.
Little Glow
This lovely book about how festivals of light are celebrated is an inclusive text that children will enjoy.
The Diwali Gift
What on earth could the Diwali gift be?
It's Diwali!
Younger children will enjoy learning about Diwali traditions in this counting book.
Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali
This retelling of the Diwali story is beautifully illustrated.
Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali!
Maya, Neel and Chintu the squirrel learn about Diwali.
Links
- Explore the legends of Diwali with Google Arts and Culture.
- Try some online Diwali-themed puzzles.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
