Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, is the annual festival of lights celebrated by many people of Indian and South Asian descent throughout the world every October or November. The holiday name दीपावली comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words : "deepa," which is a lamp or diya, and "vali," a row, hence a row of lights. 

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu holidays and it lasts for five days. The origins and focus for each day of celebration varies depending on region and local customs, but all of the holiday stories generally revolve around the idea of light defeating darkness, or good overcoming evil. Prayers are often said to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune who is reborn in the milky ocean and helps the gods defeat demons in an epic war. For some people, the holiday also marks Lord Rama's homecoming after he saved his kidnapped wife, Sita, by defeating the demon king Ravana. For others, the holiday marks the defeat of the power-hungry demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama.

Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. For Sikhs, the holiday marks the prison release of the sixth guru, Hargobind, and 52 other rajas/princes, and the holiday celebrates the guru's return to Amritsar. For Jains, the holiday is when Mahavira, the last Jain dharma teacher, attained enlightenment. Some Buddhists celebrate the holiday to honor Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism. In Nepal, the holiday is also known as Tihar.

Popular holiday traditions include cleaning and decorating homes, saying special prayers/pujas, lighting diyas (clay oil lamps), wearing special new clothes and gathering together with family and friends to share special meals, sweets and gifts. Festivities will be different this year, however, and will turn into smaller gatherings, stay-at-home events or go virtual as a health and safety precaution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's a suggested list of print books and e-books for children and other resources to help your family privately celebrate or learn more about Diwali.

Board Books

Diwali Lights by Rina Singh

This cute rhyming board book is adorned with photos of adorable babies and their parents and other relatives enjoying the holiday colors, lights and sights.

 

 

Diwali by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

This intricately illustrated book shows all the work and preparation that goes into gearing up for the holiday and a special house visit by Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune. 

 

 

Picture Books

Diwali by Julie Murray

Bright, colorful photographs of children and families celebrating Diwali are paired up with simple text that explains the holiday of lights. The e-book version has an audio read-aloud feature for young readers. A print version is also available in Spanish.

 

 

It's Diwali! (¡Es Diwali!)  by Richard Sebra

Another holiday book that matches colorful pictures of lamps, art and celebrations with simple text. There is also an e-book available in Spanish.

 

 

Shubh Diwali by Chitra Soudar, illustrated by Charlene Chua

A multigenerational family prepares their home for Diwali in this book with rhyming verse. The bright and cheerful drawings show the family celebrating with neighbors and friends in a diverse neighborhood. An author's note at the end provides a great explanation of the holiday and the significance of each day. This title is also available in e-book form.

 

 

Non-Fiction Books

Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali by Jatinder Verma, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry

This action-filled retelling of the The Ramayana epic covers Lord Rama's origin story and how he rescues his wife, Sita, and vanquishes demon king Ravana with help from his brother, Lakshmana and the Monkey King Hanuman.  

 

 

 

Sita's Ramayana  by Samhita Arni, illustrated by Moyna Chitrakar

This vivid graphic novel for middle-grade students is yet another retelling of The Ramayana, now from Sita's perspective.

 

 

 

 

Diwali: Festival of Lights by Rina Singh

This comprehensive book offers detailed information on how and why Diwali is celebrated by different religions throughout the world, coupled with recipes and several personal accounts from people in India, Canada and New York City on their own holiday experiences. Singh's book also includes a chapter on the history of Indian immigration to the United States and Canada.

 

 

Celebrate Diwali with Sweets, Lights and Fireworks by Deborah Heiligman

The vibrant, colorful photographs and lively text provide great context and information on Diwali celebrations around the world in this National Geographic book. The book includes some recipes, a card game, glossary and suggestions for additional books and websites for more educational resources.  

 

 

Local Diwali Virtual Events

Here are some free virtual Diwali celebrations hosted by local arts organizations featuring music, dancing, arts and crafts and a cooking demonstration (advanced registration required for most events).

Two-Part Diwali Concert by the Indo-American Arts Council, Fridays, Nov. 6 & 13, 9 p.m.

Family Day: Virtual Diwali Festival 2020 by the Asia Society, Saturday, Nov. 7, 1-3 p.m.

Diwali: Festival of Lights by the Rubin Museum of Art, Saturday, Nov. 7, 5-6:30 p.m.

Diwali Festival by the Flushing Town Hall at Home, Saturday, Nov. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

Additional Learning Resources

Diwali: Festival of Lights by National Geographic for Kids

Happy Diwali by National Geographic 

Diwali Toolkit by the Hindu American Foundation 

Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley (animated musical reinterpretation of the Ramayana from the director's and Sita's perspective. The film is best for older children, teens and an adult audience due to cartoon violence and mild adult content).