Diwali is a festival of lights. The word Diwali means ‘row of lights’ in an ancient language in India called Sanskrit.

Diwali is one of the most important religious festivals in India. People mostly think that it is a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by the Sikhs and Jains.

Diwali takes place annually and lasts for 5 days. It also marks the Hindu new year. The dates change every year according to the position of the moon. It mostly falls between the month of October and November.

Diwali is not just about lights and festival. It is about having fun with families and friends. Many people exchange gifts, eat delicious food, watch firework shows and also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli and lights. In the current year 2023, Diwali is celebrated on November 12th.

2.Why do we celebrate Diwali?

We celebrate Diwali to mark the good triumphing over evil and light triumphing over darkness. Diwali is known to be celebrated for over 2500 years.

In the northern India, Hindus celebrate the return of the Gods ‘Rama and Sita’ to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana.

In the region of Bengal, people worship the Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces during Diwali.

And in Nepal, people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the wicked king Narakaasura.

During Diwali, Hindus living outside India gather at places used for worship called Mandirs to give offerings to Gods.

The city, Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Every year thousands of people gather together on the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music and dancing!

Diwali is celebrated as an official National Holiday in around 11 countries other than India like Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Trinidad, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Myanmar, Tobago, Fiji and Suriname.

Let us all celebrate the festival of Lights with family and friends and let our life be blessed with brightness and happiness.

These are some of the most wonderful facts of Diwali.

Thank you