Do you know what happens during Diwali? Come and check our five delightful Diwali facts for kids.
Diwali takes place every year and it lasts for five days. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The exact date changes each year and it is determined by the cycle of the moon. The festival begins two days before the new moon. Diwali typically occurs between October and November every year. It is a celebration of light over darkness, which represents good over evil.
The word Diwali is also known as Deepawali or Dipavali. The word Diwali originated from Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language meaning “row of lights”. “Dipa” means “Light” and “avali” means “row”. People who celebrate Diwalo decorate their house with lights and colours. Oil lamps are also used and they are known as diyas. Diwali is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated by Hinuds.
Rangoli is an art form where beautiful flower patterns are made using colourful powders, spices, sand and flowers. People celebrating Diwali draw rangoli on the floor at the entrance of their homes. This is done to welcome the gods and bring good luck. During diwali you will see many homes decorated with rangoli decorations. Lights and colourful art aren’t the only way Hindus honour Diwali.
Statues are also decorated and put around the home. Statues of Lakshmi, the four-armed Hindu goddess of wealth and purity, and statues of Ganesha, or “the Elephant God”, who is the Hindu lord of success are two statues that you may see. Have you seen these religious statues before?
There are five days of Diwali and each day holds a very special meaning and tradition with it. On day one, people clean their homes and set up their light arrangements to prepare for the celebrations. This day is also used to buy gold and silver jewellery and utensils. Day two is spent decorating homes with rangoli patterns and lights. Bathing rituals are also done and women decorate their arms in henna. People also begin preparing yummy treats to be eaten at the main celebrations.
Day three is the main day of celebrations. On this day families gather together for “Lakshmi puja”, which is a prayer to the Goddess Lakshmi. The day finishes with a lovely feast and beautiful firework displays. Day four is the first day of the new year and this is when husband and wife celebrate one another. Day five is a day dedicated to siblings and the bond they share.
The largest Diwali celebrations occur in India every year, with millions of people coming together for the Festival of Light. This may surprise you but the city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Diwali celebrations are also very big in Singapore, Toronto and Sydney. Every year, you will find tens of thousands of people gathering in the streets to enjoy vibrant and colourful shows of light, music and dancing. Some places may have Indian crafts and food at fairs and festival grounds. Is Diwali celebrated where you live?
We hope you enjoyed learning more things about Diwali as much as we loved teaching you about them. Now that you know how majestic the Diwali is, you can move on to learn about world festivals, religions and Myths like: Irish Festival, Festivals in Mexico, Festivals in India, Mexican Tradition, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, Ancient Greek Religion, Anglo-Saxons, Mystical Creatures, Minotaur, Ogres, Midas, Mermaids, 12 Olympians, Celtic Mythology, Zodiac Myths, Cats in Egyptian Mythology, Snakes in Egyptian Mythology, Greek Mythology Books, Greek Mythology Stories, Hideous Creatures, Hecate, Medusa, Athena, Egyptian Gods, Greek Gods, God of Fire in Egypt and Legendary Norse Mythology.
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