Diwali: A Festival of Lights

This little book is packed with all the basics of what Diwali is and means to those who celebrate it. The narrator starts off as family and friends are visiting their home for Diwali, the festival of lights. It is the night when thousands of lights and diyas, small oil lamps made out of clay, light up in everyone’s homes all over the world.

Diwali, which takes place in October or November, is based on the lunar calendar and celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. There are different stories about why people celebrate Diwali, but essentially it all comes down to how good always wins over evil. The Hindu tale is that Rama defeated the evil demon king and was on his way home, but it was dark, and he was tired from the battle. Just as he was losing hope of reaching home, people began lighting diyas along his path so that he could see the rest of the way home.

Though Diwali started in India, it has spread all over the world with different celebrations. In Leicester, England, there is a Ferris wheel called the Diwali Wheel of Light; in Dubai, they have amazing firework shows and in Toronto there are festivals, markets and food fairs all devoted to celebrating Diwali. In Suriname, South America, the festival is called Deepavali, and they celebrate with parades, music and dancing. In Nepal, South Asia, it is called Tihar, and they honour and celebrate different animals.

Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year, and celebrations last up to five days. Many of those who celebrate buy new clothes and wear something gold or silver for prosperity in the coming year. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom as it is believed that the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, love and joy, will only visit and bless clean homes!

Homes are decorated for Diwali parties with rangoli patterns being made on the floor near front entrances. Rangoli are designs created out of chalk, colourful sand or flower petals, usually in intricate circular patterns of loops, leaves and florals. Rangolis symbolize happiness and welcomes guests to come in with strings or garlands of flowers, called toran, being hung over doors. Marigolds are a popular flower for these garlands.

On Diwali day, incense is lit, and offerings of different foods, such as rice, fruits and sweets, are offered to the gods during prayers called puja. Many people visit temples while wearing their new clothes on this auspicious day. It is also a great time to visit friends and family. At home, diyas line walkways, and twinkly fairy lights are hung. Everyone gathers together to eat and spend time together. In the evening on Diwali, there are also fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks, all different ways to light up the night and spend the festivals of lights.

The book’s illustrations are bright, colourful and filled with light for Diwali. Illustrator Darshika Varma uses high contrast colours to show readers the light from diyas, sparklers, and lanterns in each image. The palette highlights how vibrant Diwali is as well as all the clothes, jewellery, flowers and food associated with the festival.

Author Anita Yasuda approaches this story methodically, discussing each aspect of this holiday and has thoughtfully included a glossary at the end, that highlights important words and phrases that might be new to readers.