What Is Diwali And Why Is It Celebrated?

What is Diwali? Why is it celebrated?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali -The Festival Of Lights, is one of the most loved and celebrated festivals in India. It’s called the Festival of Lights because homes, streets, and even cities sparkle with the glow of thousands of diyas (oil lamps) and colourful lights.

But Diwali is much more than just lights and sweets  it’s a celebration of goodness, courage, and gratitude. It teaches us that light can always overcome darkness, and kindness can always triumph over fear.

The Story Behind Diwali

Long, long ago, there lived a brave prince named Lord Rama. When Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana, the people welcomed him by lighting lamps all around the city.

This magical sight  lamps glowing in every home became the symbol of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. That’s how the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali began!

In some parts of India, Diwali is also celebrated to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes, decorate with rangolis, and light lamps to welcome her blessings of happiness and abundance.

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

Diwali reminds us of the importance of:

Goodness – standing up for what is right, just like Lord Rama.
Courage – facing challenges bravely.
Gratitude – thanking nature and loved ones for all we have.
Togetherness – celebrating with family, friends, and community.

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali isn’t just one day — it’s a five-day festival, each day with its own meaning and joy!

Day 1 – Dhanteras (Festival of Prosperity)

People buy gold, silver, or new utensils as a sign of good luck. Homes are cleaned and decorated to invite wealth and happiness.

Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Light’s Victory Over Darkness)

This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
People wake up early, take oil baths, and light lamps around their homes.

Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)

The grandest day of all! Families perform Lakshmi Puja, light diyas, make rangolis, and share sweets. Fireworks fill the sky as everyone celebrates joy and prosperity.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Thanksgiving to Nature)

This day honours Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rain.
Families prepare and share a feast, giving thanks for nature’s blessings.

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (Celebrating Siblings)

On the last day, sisters pray for their brothers’ happiness and long life, while brothers give gifts in return — celebrating the special bond between siblings.

Fun Diwali Activities for Kids

Diwali is a festival full of creativity and colour! Here are some fun ideas for kids to join the celebrations:

Diya Painting

Decorate clay lamps with paint, glitter, or stickers.

You can learn how to paint diyas in this video : 18 Easy Diya Decoration ideas,DIY Diya Painting,Diwali Decoration, Decorate Diya Decoration at Home

Paper Lanterns

Make your own lanterns to light up your room.

You can learn how to make paper lantern here How to Make Paper Lantern for Diwali and Christmas Decoration | Diwali Decoration Ideas

Rangoli Art

 Use coloured powder, rice, or flowers to make beautiful designs.

You can learn how to make rangoli here  Simple rangoli design for diwali festival #rangoli

Sweet Making

Help your parents make laddoos, barfis, or chivda!

Diwali Greetings

Make handmade cards to share love and wishes

Learn How to make diwali greeting here  Happy Diwali Greetings I Art By Keshav,9, Navi Mumbai

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In the Spirit of Diwali

Diwali teaches us to:
Be kind and grateful.
Stand for what’s right.
Share joy and laughter.
Celebrate love and togetherness.

So this Diwali, let’s make our homes shine bright — not just with lights, but with happiness and warmth.

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When Is Diwali in 2025 ?

Is Diwali a Hindu Festival?

Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. In a multicultural and diverse country like India, everyone has their own way of celebrating this festival.

 What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?

Diwali, also called Deepawali, means “a row of lights.” It’s celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil.
In most parts of India, it commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. People lit diyas to welcome him home.

When is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. It’s celebrated on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik.

What are the five days of Diwali?

1. Dhanteras – People buy gold, silver, or new things for prosperity.

2. Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi – Celebrates the victory of good over evil.

3. Lakshmi Puja – Main Diwali day; families worship Goddess Lakshmi and light diyas.

4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Thanking nature and Lord Krishna.

5. Bhai Dooj – Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

 Why do we light diyas during Diwali?

Lighting diyas (oil lamps) symbolizes spreading light, positivity, and knowledge. It also reminds us that even a small light can remove darkness.

What are some traditional Diwali activities?

 Cleaning and decorating homes
 Lighting diyas and candles
 Making rangoli
 Enjoying fireworks
 Exchanging gifts and sweets
 Performing Lakshmi Puja
 Spending time with family and friends

What are the most popular Diwali sweets and foods?

Diwali is a festival of feasting! Popular treats include laddoos, barfi, jalebi, gujiya, chakli, and namkeen. Families also share homemade sweets with friends and neighbors.

What is the meaning of Lakshmi Puja?

On Diwali night, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s believed she visits clean and bright homes to bless them with happiness and abundance.

How do kids celebrate Diwali?

Children love making rangoli, lighting sparklers, helping parents decorate, and of course, enjoying sweets and gifts! Many schools also host Diwali craft or storytelling activities.

How can we celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali?

🌱 Use clay diyas instead of plastic lights
🌱 Avoid loud crackers to protect animals and the environment
🌱 Share homemade sweets instead of packaged ones
🌱 Reuse decorations from last year
🌱 Spread kindness and light through good deeds

Bookosmia’s Children’s Book’s On Traditions

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia is Children’s Book publisher and publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.

Photo Credit – AI Generated Images by Magic Media of Canva and Chat GPT.

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