Facts about Diwali for Kids
Diwali is the India’s biggest festival celebrated in many parts of the world. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities in India Teach your kids some basic information about India’s most celebrated festival.
Diwali, also referred to as Deepavali, is a five-day Hindu festival largely celebrated in India. It is commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Other religions such as Sikhism and Jainism also celebrate this festival.
Why do we celebrate Diwali
Diwali is celebrated to honor Ram-Chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.
What does the 5 days of Diwali signify
This festival spans over 5 days. Sharing sweets, spreading love, and bursting crackers is not only limited to the day of Diwali, but it starts two days prior to Diwali and goes on up to two days after Diwali. Here’s what 5 days of Diwali signify:
Day 1 – Dhanteras
The first day of this 5-day festival is known as Dhanteras. On this day Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for prosperity. People believe that on this auspicious day one should buy gold, silver, a house, a car or anything that they desire, to honour the Goddess. People decorate their houses and go out shopping for valuables.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali
This day is celebrated for joyous victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over demon Narakasura. People wake up early on this day to take a bath with fragrant oils and light earthen lamps and recite prayers.
Day 3 – Diwali / Laxmi Pooja
This day is the most important day of the 5-day celebration as people celebrate Diwali on this day. People decorate their house with diyas, lights, and rangoli. Sweets are distributed among friends and family. People worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha on this day and pray for happiness and prosperity. Later people do some fireworks in the night full of enthusiasm and happiness.
Day 4 – Govardhan Pooja
The fourth day of this five-day festival marks the celebration of Govardhan Pooja. It is believed that, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain to save the villagers from the debacle of rain caused by Lord Indra. People make miniature mountains and worship these mountains for the safety and protection of their families.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj
The last day of this 5-day-long festival ends with the celebration of a brother-sister bond. It is believed that after killing the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister. The sister rejoiced the victory of her brother by adorning a ‘Tilak’ on Lord Krishna’s forehead. On this auspicious day, brothers and sisters unite and celebrate the holy bond. Sisters pray for their brother’s long life and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
Which Countries Other Than India Celebrate Diwali?
India has the second-highest population in the world, and many countries have abundant Indian population such as Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and United States. People get together with their near and dear ones and celebrate this festival together.
Also, at the international border, every year on Diwali, Indian forces approach Pakistani forces and offer traditional Indian sweets on the occasion of Diwali. The Pakistani soldiers anticipating the gesture, return the goodwill with an assortment of Pakistani sweets.
