Name: Subject: Celebrations
Date: Sheet: Diwali
The Celebration of Diwali
Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' and is celebrated
between mid-October and mid-December. It is one of the
most important festivals of the year for Hindus and celebrates
the New Year.
Hindu families celebrate Diwali by performing traditional
activities together in their homes. Small clay lamps filled with
oil are lit to celebrate Diwali. Hindus place them in their
gardens, on the roof tops and in their courtyards. The oil in the lamp signifies the
triumph of good over evil. The house is cleaned so that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
and good fortune, feels welcome in their homes. Hindus also light firecrackers so that
any evil spirits are driven away.
The Diwali celebration lasts for 5 days. The fourth day is the Hindu New Year.
Diwali is celebrated to welcome the return of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita, who were
sent to live in a forest and banished for fourteen years. They were ordered to leave their
home in Ayodhya by the King.
After a few years Ravana, the ten headed demon, kidnapped Sita and took her to his
island of Lanka.
Hanuman, the monkey warrior, helped Rama to rescue his wife. Oil lamps were lit by the
people of Ayodhya to guide Rama and Sita safely home.
When Rama and Sita returned home, Rama was crowned king.
© Primary Leap Ltd. 2012 www.primaryleap.co.uk - Primary Resources
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Name: Subject: Celebrations
Date: Sheet: Diwali
The Celebration of Diwali - Questions
a What is Diwali known as? _______________________________________
b When is Diwali celebrated? _______________________________________
c What does the oil in the lamps signify? ___________________________________
d Who is Lakshmi? _______________________________________
e Why do Hindus light firerackers? _______________________________________
f How long is Diwali celebrated? _______________________________________
g Why is Diwali celebrated? _______________________________________
h Who ordered Rama and Sita to leave their home? _______________________
i Where were they sent to live? _______________________________________
j Where did Ravana take Sita? _______________________________________
k Who helped Rama rescue Sita? _______________________________________
l Why did the people of Ayodhya light oil lamps?
__________________________________________________________________
© Primary Leap Ltd. 2012 www.primaryleap.co.uk - Primary Resources
