Diwali Toolkit

What’s Inside
The Hindu American Foundation is proud to present our Diwali Toolkit, a guide to
familiarize you and your students with this Hindu holiday. In this toolkit, you will find
materials to teach about the “Festival of Lights” in your classrooms and activities to do at
home. This toolkit is constructed as a way to learn more about Diwali in an interactive and
enjoyable way, and can be used by educators and parents alike!

Diwali Fact Sheet Diwali Diya Cycles of the Moon*

The basics of Diwali in an easy yet Round-Up! Learn about the lunar calendar
comprehensive manner which can be This fun lesson incorporates Diwali and track the moon phases in this
used as a starting point to learn all about diyas with math problem-solving 1st – 3rd grade activity.
this illuminating festival. for 3rd – 5th graders.
Signs of Diwali*
The Origins of Diwali Draw Your Own For our young learners, we’ve included
This reading primer explains the Rangoli! an engaging lesson asking them to draw
significance of Diwali as well as narrates and discuss items found during Diwali.
Practice your rangoli drawing skills
some of the popular anecdotes as to
using colored pencils, crayons,
why Diwali is celebrated.
glitter glue, and markers. Word Search
A fun way to test your knowledge
about Diwali!

We look forward to hearing about how your Diwali celebrations turn out and encourage you
to incorporate your own ideas and share them with us for future toolkits! Share your Diwali
celebrations with us using the hashtag #HAFDiwali!
* We are excited to partner with Hybrid Parenting on the activities featuring Lights, Camera, Diwali!

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Fact Sheet

Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights” and is a Hindu holiday widely celebrated in India1 and across
the Hindu Diaspora. The word Diwali derives from Sanskrit and means “a row of lights.” Festivities
include the illumination of lights, candles, firecrackers, and diyas (clay lamps) to symbolize the victory
of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a time for
gathering with loved ones, celebrating life, and committing to making the right decisions in life.

When is Diwali? Why Is Diwali of Lord Vishnu and an embodiment of

dharma or righteousness; and Sita is
Like many Hindu holidays, Diwali is celebrated? an incarnation of Lakshmi, who is the
synchronized with the lunar calendar so Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The
Many Hindus recognize Diwali as a day
the actual dates vary from year to year. residents of Ayodhya were overjoyed
celebrating the return of Prince Rama
Diwali typically falls between October and at the return of their rightful King and lit
of Ayodhya, his wife Sita, and brother
November. This handy date wheel helps lamps in his honor. Thus, the entire city
Lakshman after 14 years of exile. Prince
explain when Diwali is next! looked like a row of lights.
Rama is considered to be an incarnation
Other Hindus commemorate Diwali
Who celebrates Diwali? as the day Lord Krishna defeated the
demon king Narakasura. For some
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, regions of India, Diwali coincides with the
Sikhs, Buddhists, and people of 2023 Hindu New Year.
Indian heritage and non-Indian
heritage. Despite each faith Oct. 12 Ever since, people light lamps at
Diwali to remember that light
22

having its own historical

20
4

triumphs over dark, knowledge

20

legends and celebratory

No

24
.2

prevails over ignorance, and good

Oct

events, the holiday represents

v. 1

the same symbolic victory Save the triumphs over evil.

of light over darkness, dates for
knowledge over ignorance,
Diwali! How is Diwali
and good over evil.
. 21
O ct

celebrated?
25
20

ct
.2

Where is Diwali
O
20

Diwali is one of the most widely

8
27

N o v. 8 celebrated Hindu festivals in India

celebrated? and around the world. The rituals and
Celebrations can take place at 2026 customs associated with celebrating
home, in mandirs (local temples), Diwali vary based on the regional
community centers, and other
gathering places. Diwali is celebrated 1 Ancient India refers to the South Asian countries
of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri
by people around the globe. Lanka, and parts of Afghanistan.

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Fact Sheet

traditions of India and the cultural

customs that are popular in those areas. Day 1: Dhanteras

1 2 3
However, most families light diyas or
candles in their homes and celebrate On this day, many dedicate their worship to Goddess Lakshmi.
this special holiday by enjoying sweets People will clean the house, make rangolis or kolam (colored
and delicious food. Generally, Diwali is patterns made on the floor with flowers, powder, rice or sand),
celebrated over five days with each day go shopping, and make sweet and savory Indian treats.
holding a special significance.
4 5
Day 2: Chhoti Diwali, Kalichaudas

1 2 3
This day is referred to as small Diwali and people will decorate
their homes with rangolis and clay lamps are displayed.

4 5
Day 3: Diwali

1 2 3 People dress in new clothes, visit the temple to perform a puja (a

worship service) for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, light diyas
around the house, keep all the lights on, eat delicious food and

1 2 3
sweets, and enjoy fireworks celebrations with family and friends.

4 5 Day 4: Annakut, Padwa, Govardhan Puja

4 5
This is the first day of the new year for many regions and people
celebrate by exchanging gifts and best wishes. Many will take time
to be grateful for all of what they have and to share with others.

1 2 3
Day 5: Bhai Duj, Bhai Bheej

4 5 This day is dedicated as a siblings day to honor sister-brother

bonds. It is common for all siblings to get together on this day.
Brothers will visit their sisters and enjoy a nice meal together.

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 Diwali Toolkit

The Origins of Diwali

Diwali is one of the world’s oldest religious holidays. It’s celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists,
and Jains throughout India and the rest of South Asia, the United States, and across the globe.
Celebrations for Diwali last up to five days and while there are several stories about the origins of Diwali,
most would agree that the common theme to Diwali is the victory of good over evil, knowledge over
ignorance, and light over spiritual darkness.

Inviting Prosperity and Regional Celebrations states of India. In western India, the
festival marks another story in which Lord
Engaging in Service India is a diverse country with many Vishnu banished the demon King Bali to
Most Hindus begin the festival with different cultural customs and traditions the nether world.
a deep cleaning of their homes and so the celebrations of Diwali range from
state-to-state and region-to-region.
surroundings, similar to spring cleaning
Celebratory foods are prepared and vary
The Legends
in America. Homes and streets will be
illuminated with colorful lights, rangoli based on local traditions and ingredients The Return of the Exiled Prince
art, and other festive decorations. It is available. Songs are sung and prayers
are said in regional languages heard in One of the most popular stories of Diwali
believed that cleanliness invokes the is the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The
presence of Goddess Lakshmi, who is different parts of India. For many, Diwali
also marks the start of the new year. Ramayana was originally composed in
the Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth. Sanskrit, but there are hundreds of tellings
Diwali is also a time for dana (charitable One common thread of Diwali is honoring of it in India’s many regional languages. It
giving) and seva (selfless service), so as to the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and is also very popular throughout Southeast
share the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi. In northern India, Asia, in countries like Cambodia, Malaysia,
Common acts of Diwali celebrations traditionally the story of Prince Rama’s Indonesia, and Thailand. Very often
include feeding the hungry, giving money return to Ayodhya is celebrated, whereas, during Diwali, communities will showcase
to charities, donating time and materials the story of Lord Krishna dominates retellings of the tale through music, dance,
to worthy causes, and finding ways to celebrations throughout the southern and drama.
alleviate the suffering of others. Thousands of years ago in the kingdom
The festival is also a time for friends and of Ayodhya (located in the northern
family to gather, share meals, and take part of India), there was a kind and
part in special rituals. People often recite humble prince named Prince Rama.
scriptural stories and contemplate on Prince Rama was adored and respected
their meaning and the values they wish by many, and considered to be an
to live by. Many people will start the new embodiment of dharma (right living).
business year at Diwali and offer special Prince Rama is believed to be an
prayers to the Goddess for a prosperous incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
year ahead. Prince Rama, as the eldest son, was set
to become King, but his evil and jealous

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 Diwali Toolkit

The Origins of Diwali

stepmother banished him to the forest is referred to as the “Festival of Lights” started taking over neighboring kingdoms
for 14 years in exile so that her own son and is a celebration of the victory of good and soon set his sights on a beautiful
could become king instead. Prince Rama over evil. This theme is most commonly kingdom called Svargaloka.
did not go alone as his wife, Princess associated with the celebration of Diwali.
Narakasura felt unstoppable and decided
Sita, who is considered an incarnation of
to kidnap all the beautiful young women in
Goddess Lakshmi and the embodiment The Prince and The Demon the kingdom of Svargaloka. The residents
of nature, and his loyal younger brother
of Svargaloka were very upset and called
Lakshman, accompanied him. Another commonly heard story about the
upon Lord Krishna to save them from
origins of Diwali is also centered around
One day, a powerful king named King Narkasura’s terror. Lord Krishna came as
another incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Ravana of Lanka saw Princess Sita and named Lord Krishna. Many of the stories soon as he heard and fought in a fierce
fell in love with her immediately. King battle defeating Narakasura and stopping
about Lord Krishna’s childhood are found
Ravana hatched a plan to distract Prince the evil demon from harming others. As a
in a sacred text called the Bhagavad
Rama and Prince Lakshman so that he result of this conflict, Lord Krishna brought
Purana, and his lessons about life are
could kidnap Princess Sita and make back peace and prosperity to the people
found in an epic called the Mahabharata
her his wife. When Princess Sita went of Svargaloka.​
and Bhagavad Gita (another sacred text
missing, Prince Rama went searching for which is a part of the Mahabharata). The In this story, we also see the significance
King Ravana and sought the help of the original texts were composed in Sanskrit, of light over darkness and good over evil.
great warrior Hanuman who agreed to but are retold in India’s many regional
help find her. Prince Rama, Prince languages. They are also
Lakshman, and Hanuman Additional Religious Significance
reenacted through music,
had to fight the powerful While it has great significance to Hindus,
dance, and plays,
King Ravana to get Diwali is also celebrated annually by Sikhs,
especially during
Princess Sita back. Buddhists, and Jains throughout the
Diwali.
After a fierce United States and across the globe.
battle, they Many years ago,
all survived Bhumidevi, The Sikhs recognize Diwali as a
and were who is also celebration of the release of the Sixth
reunited. After known as Guru, Hargobind, who was one of their
completing their Mother Earth, spiritual leaders, from captivity by the
14 year exile, had a son Mughal Emperor Jehangir. In his honor,
Prince Rama, named Prince lamps were lit all the way to the Golden
Princess Sita, and Narakasura who Temple, welcoming his return.
Prince Lakshman, was very easily For Jains, Diwali is the day Lord Mahavira,
returned home to influenced. Though the last of the Jain Tirthankaras (the
Ayodhya, where the he was the son of a great teachers of Jain dharma), achieved
people rejoiced and lit lamps divine spirit, he gave into moksha or enlightenment/nirvana.
all over the kingdom to welcome wicked temptations of power and
them back and usher in the just and kind greed, and became evil in his thoughts Whereas Buddhists, especially newer
rule of Prince Rama. and actions. Narkasura was horrible to Buddhists, commemorate Diwali as Ashok
all the people of his kingdom and caused Vijayadashami, the day the great Emperor
The entire city looked like a row of lights Ashoka embraced Buddhism as his faith.
destruction on everything around him. He
and this is part of the reason why Diwali

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Diya Round-Up!

This math problem solving lesson plan integrates diyas with numbers! This lesson
has scaffolds built in for different grade levels and provides fun challenges for all.

Grade Levels Standards

3rd - 5th
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.1
Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the
Subject Area total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each.

Math, Algebra
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.2
Interpret whole number quotients of whole numbers, e.g.,
Objectives interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when
56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number
Upon completion of the lesson, of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8
students will be able to: objects each.
❱ Multiply one-digit and two-digit
problems CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.1
❱ Solve division problems of one- Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g.,
digit and two-digit numerals interpret 35 = 5 × 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many
❱ Complete number patterns in a as 7 and 7 times as many as 5.
Sudiya puzzle

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Diya Round-Up!

Directions
81 ÷ 9 =
Part 1: A Table Full of Diyas
❱ Solve the algebra problems in the
first column. Once all problems have
been solved in Column A, draw a line 9x = 45
to match the correct answer to the
numbers of diyas in Column B.

Part 2: Diya Round-Up! x 4 = 16

❱ Cut the boxes on the next page
into individual cards and place them
face down into three piles (numbers,
diyas, and mathematical symbols). 5x = 40
Each player takes turns drawing one
card from each pile and says the
total amount (e.g. the total amount
for a number “4” card, a “+” symbol
8 ÷ 8=
card, and a card with “2 diyas” would
be 6). The player with the greater
amount keeps both players’ cards. In
case of a tie, each player keeps their
own cards. The game ends when 9x = 27
there are no cards left. The winner is
the player who has the most cards.
We suggest printing and cutting two
sheets per player so a 4-player game 54 ÷ 9 =
would need 8 sheets.

14 ÷ 7 =

35 ÷ =5

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Diya Round-Up!

1 6

9 4 10

5 2

× 8 ÷ –

3 + 7 0

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Diya Round-Up!

Part 3: Sudiya!
❱ Similar to the popular logic puzzle game, Sudoku, Sudiya requires math and concentration to
complete! You will see that some of the boxes have numbers and some have a number of diyas. The
number of diyas inside a box represent an actual number in the Sudiya puzzle (i.e. three diyas equals
the number 3). Fill the 9x9 Sudiya grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each of these 9 digits appears
in each row, each column and each 3x3 sub-grid once any only once.

1 6 3

6 8

3 7 4

1 6

5 8

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Diya Round-Up!

Answer Keys

Part 1: A Table Full of Diyas Part 3: Sudiya!

81 ÷ 9 = 9 3 4 2 7 8 9 6 1 5

1 8 9 6 5 3 4 7 2
9x 5 = 45

7 6 5 1 2 4 3 9 8
4 x 4 = 16
6 2 4 9 1 8 5 3 7

5x 8 = 40 8 3 1 5 7 6 9 2 4

5 9 7 3 4 2 8 6 1
8÷8 = 1
4 7 3 8 9 1 2 5 6
9x 3 = 27
2 1 6 4 3 5 7 8 9

54 ÷ 9 = 6 9 5 8 2 6 7 1 4 3

14 ÷ 7 = 2

35 ÷ 7 =5

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 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

A rangoli is a Indian folk art form that consists of patterns created with
colored rice, dry flour, colored sand, grains, or flower petals in entryways,
backyards or any place that has a smooth surface.

Rangolis are created during festivals like

Diwali and other auspicious occasions Examples of Rangolis
like weddings to welcome guests, bring
good luck, and simply decorate the
home. Many Hindus create fresh rangolis
sometimes on a weekly, even daily basis,
sweeping away the old design and
creating a new one. This reminds us that
change is constant.
The spiritual significance of this exercise
requires focusing your mind on creating
intricate designs.This beautiful art form
has traditionally been done by the women
in the family but now everyone joins in
and participates.
Our “Draw Your Own Rangoli!” activity is
a great way to try out different designs
and get some practice!

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 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

Directions 1 4

Are you ready to create your own

rangoli artwork?
It is actually quite easy. Once you create
the first part, the pattern repeats. Take a
look at the example provided.

Step 1: Pre-planning.
❱ Divide the dot grid in equal parts from
the center like a pie. Think about
how complex you want the design
to be. Remember, it is traditionally a
2 5
repeating pattern. The dot grid will
serve as basic guidance.

Step 2: Start drawing!

❱ Let’s put pencil to paper! Pick a half,
quadrant or an eighth based on
how you’ve decided to create the
repitition. We recommend that you
start with small design elements to
get practice with pattern making.

3 6
Step 3: Repeat the pattern.
❱ Using the section you’ve designed,
rotate from the center and repeat the
pattern in the other sections.

Step 2: Color it in.

❱ Have fun coloring it in as you see fit.
❱ Remember, it doesn’t need to be a
square. It can be however you want.
Some don’t even follow a pattern.
The key is to have fun!

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 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

Now you try it by using markers, crayons, or glitter to make your own rangoli design!

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 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

Now you try it by using markers, crayons, or glitter to make your own rangoli design!

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HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.
 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

Now you try it by using markers, crayons, or glitter to make your own rangoli design!

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HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.
 Diwali Toolkit

Draw Your Own Rangoli!

Now you try it by using markers, crayons, or glitter to make your own rangoli design!

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Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.
HAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
©2022, Hindu American Foundation. HAF Diwali Toolkit // 17
HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.
 Diwali Toolkit

Cycles of the Moon

In this activity, students will learn about the lunar calendar and prepare for
Diwali by tracking the moon cycles leading up to this Hindu holiday!

Grade Levels Standards

1st – 3rd
1-ESS1-1 Earth’s Place in the Universe
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be
Objectives predicted.

Upon completion of the lesson,

students will be able to: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7

❱ Acquire knowledge about the Participate in shared research and writing projects.
different phases of the moon
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.8
❱ Graph the different lunar patterns
With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather
❱ Communicate about Diwali and
information from provided sources to answer a question.
its significance

Directions

❱ Read the children’s book Lights, Camera. Diwali with your students.
❱ On the next page, track the moon cycles leading up to Diwali by shading in the
circle to replicate the lunar pattern of that day.

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 Diwali Toolkit

Cycles of the Moon

“Cycles of the Moon” activity was developed in partnership with Hybrid Parenting.
For more information, please visit http://hybridparenting.org.

It’s time for

Diwali!

Date of Diwali

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 Diwali Toolkit

Signs of Diwali
Using the boxes below, students will locate and draw each of the items
commonly found around Diwali time!

Grade Levels Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and
Objectives the story in which they appear.

Upon completion of the lesson,

students will be able to: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.5

❱ Identify settings, events, and Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide
characters of a story additional detail.

❱ Follow sequenced verbal and

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6
visual directions
Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
❱ Recognize that all families look
different
Directions

❱ Read the children’s book Lights, Camera. Diwali with your students.
❱ Draw the items below and have students discuss how each item relates to
the story they’ve read.

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 Diwali Toolkit

Signs of Diwali
“Signs of Diwali” activity was developed in partnership with Hybrid Parenting.
For more information, please visit http://hybridparenting.org.

Fall Leaf Clay Lamp Sparklers

Fireworks Ladoos Presents

Rangoli Family Candle

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 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Word Search

Find the words listed below. Words will appear straight across, backwards,
up and down, and diagonally.

Word Bank I N C V C A Y O D H Y A I X D F

H K B R U X M H A N U M A N I E
Diya Auspicious
Rama Puja Z M E O V C Q C V L X R N M V S

Krishna Rangoli C U X P H A A S G Y U F H R E T

Lakshmi Ramayana T E I S I I L A K S H M I A R I
Celebration Regional
R J L R E C O A A A S R N V S V
Vishnu Ravana
A S E E A V C K D U A E D A E A
Chhoti Hanuman
Hindu Epic D G I T B N A Q I S M G U N H L

Narakasura Diverse I B H T W R G G W P Z I E A X A

Sita Ayodhya T P K D A N A O A I J O F Q C C
Five Lamps
I X R N U A N T L C H N A D U Z
Seva Festival
O E I C H H O T I I L A M P S Y
Dana Traditions
Diwali Customs N P S O D L K Z Y O J L I H T D

Exile Family S Y H V I S H N U U N Y L G O W

Q G N I Y I C U P S Y M Y O M T

A R A M A Y A N A E E N L C S H

Hindu American Foundation // hinduamerican.org

Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.
HAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
©2022, Hindu American Foundation. HAF Diwali Toolkit // 22
HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.
 Diwali Toolkit

Diwali Word Search

Answer Key

I N C V C A Y O D H Y A I X D F

H K B R U X M H A N U M A N I E

Z M E O V C Q C V L X R N M V S

C U X P H A A S G Y U F H R E T

T E I S I I L A K S H M I A R I

R J L R E C O A A A S R N V S V

A S E E A V C K D U A E D A E A

D G I T B N A Q I S M G U N H L

I B H T W R G G W P Z I E A X A

T P K D A N A O A I J O F Q C C

I X R N U A N T L C H N A D U Z

O E I C H H O T I I L A M P S Y

N P S O D L K Z Y O J L I H T D

S Y H V I S H N U U N Y L G O W

Q G N I Y I C U P S Y M Y O M T

A R A M A Y A N A E E N L C S H

Hindu American Foundation // hinduamerican.org

Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.
HAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
©2022, Hindu American Foundation. HAF Diwali Toolkit // 23
HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.
 Diwali Toolkit

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an educational and advocacy

organization established in 2003.

HAF focuses on educating the public about Hindus and Hinduism and
advocating for policies and practices that ensure the well-being of all people and
the planet. We work directly with educators and journalists to ensure accurate
understanding of Hindus and Hinduism. We also work with policymakers and
key stakeholders to champion issues of concern to Hindu Americans, including
defending civil and human rights and protecting all living beings. Inspired by our
guiding principles and Hindu teachings, HAF promotes dignity, mutual respect,
and pluralism.

HAF is a non-partisan, non-profit tax-exempt public charity pursuant to Internal

Revenue Code Section 501(c)3.

To learn more, please visit our website at hinduamerican.org

and follow us on social media: @HinduAmerican.

Written and designed by the team at the Hindu American Foundation.

Shereen Bhalla, PhD
Director of Education
Tejus Shah
Senior Creative Director

Hindu American Foundation // hinduamerican.org

Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.
HAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
©2022, Hindu American Foundation. HAF Diwali Toolkit // 24
HAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please visit www.HAFsite.org for more information.