Diwali
Diwali is a festival which is
celebrated by millions of
people around the world.
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some
Buddhists celebrate Diwali.
Diwali is also known as the
‘Festival of Light.’
Diwali
Diwali takes place in October or November each year. The
festival celebrates light over darkness and good over evil.
The word Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’ in an ancient
Indian language, Sanskrit.
The Festival of Light
Diwali lasts five days. During
this time, houses, shops and
streets are lit with small
lamps called diyas.
Many people also enjoy going
to fireworks displays and
eating traditional foods.
Diwali is very popular with
people of all ages.
Sikh Diwali
For Sikhs around the world,
Diwali is also the time when
they celebrate the release
from prison of Guru
Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was
the 6th Sikh Guru, an
important leader of the faith.
For Sikhs, this special day is
called Bandi Chhor Divas or
‘Prisoner Release Day.’
Diwali Around the World
Diwali is celebrated in many countries around the world.
Let’s have a look at some of the ways the festival is celebrated.
Diwali in India
Diwali is India’s biggest
holiday of the year.
It marks the beginning
of a new year in the
Hindu calendar. The
celebrations last for
five days.
Houses are decorated with Rangoli patterns. These are made
from coloured chalk or rice grains.
Diwali in India
During this time, people also wear new clothes, eat special
foods and attend pageants and firework displays.
Diwali in the UK
The UK holds large Diwali celebrations in London, Leicester and
other cities.
There are processions,
fireworks and food stalls and
many thousands of people
from all religions and cultures
join in.
Diwali in Mauritius
Mauritius is an island off the east coast of Africa. Lots of people
in Mauritius are Hindus.
Diwali is a public holiday.
Families and friends gather
together to celebrate.
This is a statue to the
Hindu God, Shiva, in
Mauritius.
Diwali in Canada
Canada is a country in North America with many different
cultures and religions.
Diwali is celebrated in many
towns and cities in Canada.
Niagara Falls has been lit up
in gold and a special firework
display is held there to
celebrate Diwali.
Diwali in Guyana
Guyana is a country in South America. Diwali is a national
holiday here.
In Guyana, many people wear
new clothes and decorate their
homes with diyas. These lamps
light the way for the goddess
Lakshmi.
Many people eat traditional
Indian sweets like these.
Diwali in Australia
The Hindu community in Australia enjoy celebrating Diwali
each year. Many families celebrate in their homes or with
neighbours.
Melbourne holds a large Diwali
event, with traditional Indian
music, dancing and food.
