Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most important Hindu holidays celebrated across India each year. It gets its name from one of its traditions – lining a row of clay lamps (diyas) outside homes to symbolize good conquering evil, and lightness overcoming darkness. Celebrations are for five days in October or November each year, with the date changing each year. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists.
This year, Diwali begins Sunday, November 12. Whether you are a practicing Hindu or wanting to learn about other cultures, below are five ways you can celebrate the joy of Diwali with your family.
Read About Diwali
Learn together! Check out these books about Diwali for all ages. Have a quick family discussion afterwards about what you’ve learned, then choose an activity below to celebrate the holiday.
Paint Clay Diyas to Light In your Home
This $9 kit on Etsy is an easy way to make your own diyas at home. The kit includes instructions on how to light your diyas once you’ve finished creating them.
Prepare Treats Together
These Instant Peda are an easy recipe that is a quicker version of milk peda, a popular Diwali treat.
Light Sparklers
Diwali is often celebrated with fireworks, but many use sparklers as a smaller, but just as bright version. You can also skip the fire hazard altogether and use twinkle lights to symbolize the line of diyas.
Make a Beautiful Paper Lantern
Use these instructions, which include a printable template, to make tissue paper lanterns to hang in your home.
