🪔 Diwali
October or November Grades K–5
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists — more than a billion people around the world, including many Americans.
📅 Next dates
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Friday, October 29, 2027
- Tuesday, October 17, 2028
Dates follow the Moon and can differ by a day depending on where you live.
📖 The story
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word "deepavali," meaning "row of lights." Many Hindus remember Lord Rama’s return home after defeating the demon king Ravana, when people lit lamps to welcome him. It celebrates light winning over darkness and good over evil.
The festival lasts about five days in October or November, on the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartika.
✨ Traditions
- Lighting clay lamps called diyas
- Rangoli — colorful floor designs
- Fireworks
- Sweets like ladoo
- New clothes and family visits
✂️ Activities
Paper Rangoli
- Draw a circle pattern with petals on paper.
- Fill it with bright colors, colored rice or sand.
- Make both sides match (symmetry!).
Clay Diya
- Shape air-dry clay into a small bowl.
- Pinch one side to make a spout.
- Paint it when dry — use a battery tea light for safety.
Diwali quiz
What is Diwali called?
What is a diya?
What are colorful floor designs called?
What does Diwali celebrate?
💭 Let’s write
What does "light winning over darkness" mean to you?
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