Why do we celebrate Diwali in India – How to explain the significance of Diwali to your child

Frequently asked questions around Diwali like – Why is Diwali celebrated, do we celebrate Diwali in India, How do we celebrate Diwali in India, what is the story about Diwali, and much more answered in simple terms. All Diwali information in one place

Recently I was asked – Why is Diwali celebrated in India by my son. and then again in office by our manager who is not from India. Few things I knew about Diwali but there were some aspects that were not so fresh in my mind.

Satisfying a kids curiosity is important and something that’s definitely not easy 😉

So with the festive season around, I have researched and penned down frequently asked questions around Diwali. Hope it’s useful to you as well in explaining the significance of Diwali and why we celebrate it to your child.

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil. On this day, people light up their homes with lights and candles. They also celebrate by giving gifts to each other.

This festival of Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness. Diwali also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that the celebration of Diwali brings prosperity and happiness to people.

Also check – Free Diwali worksheets for kids here along with multiple craft and home decor ideas. Also you may this article on Diwali gifts for family and friends useful.

What is Diwali and why is Diwali celebrated? (information about Diwali festival)

In order to understand why Diwali is celebrated, we must first know what it means.

Diwali in Sanskrit means “rows of lit lamps”.

The word ‘Diwali’ comes from two words – ‘Deepavali’ meaning ‘row of lamps’ and ‘Vilayati’ meaning ‘victorious over darkness’.

This festival of lights is celebrated as the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is the most widespread Hindu festival rejoiced all across south Asia wherever Hindus live.

This festival is not only celebrated by Hindus but also by Jains and Sikhs. On the day of Diwali, people light diyas (oil lamps) as part of a religious ceremony called Deepawali. This is done to welcome the return of the sun after the winter solstice. People also give each other sweets and gifts during this celebration.

What is the story about Diwali?

In India, people celebrate Diwali by lighting up their homes with lights and candles. Find out why!

According to the mythology, Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama who is the incarnation of god Vishnu and his wife Sita.

When Lord Rama his brother Lakshmana and Rama’s wife Sita were in exile Demon king Ravana abducted Sita and took her to his island Lanka. Then Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshman and an amazing monkey God holding unparalleled powers- Hanuman ranged a war against Lanka King Ravana and defeated him.

On return of Lord Rama after fourteen year exile to his kingdom earthen lamps were lit throughout the kingdom and was celebrated as Diwali for the first time.

This is the story of Diwali

How do you celebrate Diwali?

Diwali is a festival is of five days rejoiced with lights, Rangoli decorations, music, firework, Pooja and sharing of gifts and sweets with friends and relatives.

People make their homes ready for Diwali by cleaning the homes and decorating it with lights and flowers.

On the night of Diwali or the Deepavali festival, people wear new clothes and perform puja of goddess Lakshmi by offering payers for good health, wealth, and prosperity.

Below are 5 things you must do on Diwali

Light up the house with candles

To celebrate Diwali, light up your home with candles. Candles symbolize light, hope, and happiness. They also represent purity, peace, and love. If you use them as part of your celebration, you will bring more joy into your life.

Cook delicious food

Make sure you cook something special for your family and friends. It’s an opportunity to show off your culinary skills.

Give sweets to friends and family.

If you’re hosting a party, make sure you give out sweets as gifts. This will help you bond with your guests and also serve as a reminder of how much you care about them.

It is always preferable to give anything home made if you can rather than store brought sweets or you can give dry fruits.

Watch fireworks.

Fireworks are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. They symbolize the triumph of good over evil and bring joy to everyone who watches them. Though nowadays it is not recommended due to increasing pollution.

Play games.

Games are a fun way to celebrate Diwali. There are lots of online games available that allow you to play with friends and family members across the globe.

Also Read – 21 Engaging And Fun Family Games To Play At Home: Say Goodbye to Boring Family Game Nights

What is the purpose of Diwali?

Diwali has religious importance. It is one of the most popular Festivals in India.

It is rejoiced by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists according to their beliefs, stories, and historical events.

Reason or their beliefs may differ but Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, knowledge over unawareness, light over darkness, and hope over misery.

Why do we celebrate the Diwali festival?

Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated as a festival of lights to commemorate the arrival of Lord Rama to his home Ayodhya after fourteen years of Exile.

Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of God Vishnu. During exile, he fought with the demon king of Lanka- Ravana, and defeated him.

How many days after Dussehra is Diwali?

Exactly after 20days of Dussehra on the new moon day, the festival of Diwali is celebrated, usually in the months of October or November.

It is believed that Lord Rama defeated Demon King Ravana of Lanka in a battle that lasted for 10 long days and reached Ayodhya 20 days after defeating Ravana.

What are the 5 days of Diwali?

Diwali celebration is of 5days which is

  • The first day is Dhanteras or the day of fortune
  • The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or the days of knowledge
  • The third day is Diwali or the day of light
  • The fourth day is Annakut or the beginning of the new year for Hindu’s
  • The fifth day is Bhai Duj or the day of affection between siblings.

When Diwali will come in 2022 ?

This year 2022, Diwali is on 24th October.

When Diwali will come in 2021?

This year 2021, Diwali is on November 4th.

It is witnessed on the 15th day of Kartik according to the Hindu astrophysical calendar.

How can we celebrate eco-friendly Diwali?

Diwali can be celebrated by giving back to society for example: spend time with poor and needy children instead of drinking, partying, or bursting loads of crackers.

Donate food, sweets, clothes, and stationary or play with them. Bring smile on their face and spread happiness during this festival of Diwali.

You can also do a bit by doing these:

  • Buy earthen Diya from a needy person selling on the roadside instead of the fancy mall.
  • Draw eco-friendly Rangoli
  • Used recycled decors
  • Eat healthily and give a miss to sugar
  • Avoid bursting crackers
  • Avoid Single-use plastics as much as possible

Read more on How to celebrate eco friendly Diwali

How do you celebrate Diwali at home?

We prepare our home for Diwali by cleaning and removing unused, unwanted things that clutter the home, then decorate our home with lightings, flowers and prepare homemade sweets.

You can check some amazing craft supplies here- DIY craft supplies

On the days of Diwali, we wear new clothes, perform goddess Lakshmi puja with the family and seek divine blessing for good health, wealth, and prosperity.

We light earthen Diya and meets friends, exchange gifts, sweets, and wishes. This is how we celebrate Diwali at home.

Here are some Awesome ideas – Diwali Decor Ideas & craft activities

What does Diwali mean in English?

Diwali is the most popular and the most important festivals celebrated in India.

The word “Diwali” means rows of lit diya or lamps. In this festival people buy diya’s( baked clay small cups) and light every corner of their home with lights and decorate.

Diwali Decoration Items

Here are some wonderful items that you can check for Diwali decoration. These will brighten up your home and make it ready for the festival.

Tea-Light Candles for Diwali Decoration

Brass Bells for Diwali Decor

Brass Urli For Home Decoration

Torans for Home Decoration- diwali, Dusserra and other festivals

Best Books on Diwali for Children

Books are the best ways to teach children about festivals. Most Hindu festivals have interesting stories behind them. These books below are some of the best books that share information, interesting facts and stories about Diwali.

Amma, Tell Me about Diwali

Diwali: Festivals of the World

Peppa’s Diwali

Diwali (Celebrate the World) 

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Shilpa Bankapur
Shilpa Bankapur

Mom of an active energetic kiddo who is going to be 4. Love writing about what I learn during my journey of mommyhood. Love gardening and reading books

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