Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Explore culture and diversity with children, and learn about the tradition of Diwali! Introduce your young ones to new celebrations with easy-to-read and heartwarming stories.
What is Diwali?
Originating in India, Diwali is the biggest and most important holiday of the year. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, the holiday occurs during late October or early November, depending on the position of the moon. Diwali means “row of lights” in Sanskrit.
How is it celebrated?
Rows of lamps, known as deepavali, are lit inside and outside the home. The lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The lights are also believed to help the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, find her way into homes to bring prosperity for the new year.
Families will also decorate their homes with rangoli, which are colourful and intricate floor patterns made of coloured powder, rice and flowers. Rangoli is made to welcome the gods into their home and to bring good luck.
Diwali lasts for five days, with the main celebrations happening on the darkest night of the festival, typically the third day. The fourth day marks the start of the new year on the Hindu calendar. Fireworks light up the night, and families and friends will celebrate together, along with a big feast.
Other religious groups, including Jains and Sikhs, observe their own versions of Diwali.
Books for the Family
Diwali, the festival of lights, is nearly here!
This year, Ariana has plans to make it an extra special celebration, with yummy sweets, divas around the house, pretty clothes, fireworks and… the rangoli competition, which she plans to win this year.
Everything would go perfectly to plan if it weren’t for Rafi, her little brother, who is always up to mischief… and always being clumsy! Will he ruin Diwali too?
Peek into the magic of Diwali in this heart-warming picture book about siblings and the wonder of sharing special celebrations.
Binny woke up happy but nervous. It was her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights!
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favourite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty, all the children ooh and aah. Featuring a heartwarming story by Thrity Umrigar, enchanting illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, and detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights, Le Diwali de Binny is a holiday treat.
Celebrate Diwali with Peppa and her family in this gorgeous storybook! Based on the hit TV show.
It is Diwali and Peppa and her family are learning all about the Festival of Lights. Mummy and Daddy Pig are cooking a feast while Granny and Grandpa Pig bring everyone special clothes to wear. Then it’s time for the party to begin!
During Diwali, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the legends and stories that describe the triumph of good over evil and justice over oppression. Critically acclaimed author Rina Singh explores her Indian roots as she tells the Diwali stories, which remind us that eventually light will prevail over darkness.
Enriched by personal stories and spiced with festive recipes, including two by acclaimed chef, Vikram Vij, Diwali: Festival of Lights brings to life the holiday’s traditions, food and rituals and takes you on a journey to see how this festival is celebrated around the world!
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