Diwali (also called Deepavali) is arguably the most important holiday of the year for South Asian families. Sometimes called the “Indian Festival of Lights,” it is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world.

Quick Facts:

• Duration: 5 days (traditionally the 3rd day is most important)
• Key Activities: Lighting candles and oil lamps (diyas), eating sweets, placing lit lamps in windows
• Central Theme: Triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance
• When: Falls between mid-October and mid-November (based on the lunar calendar)

One fascinating aspect of Diwali is that different communities celebrate it for different reasons! Here are the main Hindu origin stories:

Despite the different narratives, all Diwali stories share these powerful messages. This shared theme makes Diwali a celebration of hope, optimism, and the human spirit’s resilience.

PreK-K:

• “Diwali” by Hannah Eliot (Board book)
• “Binny’s Diwali” by Thrity Umrigar

K-2nd:

• “Shubh Diwali!” by Chitra Soundar
• “Let’s Celebrate Diwali” by Anjali Joshi

3rd-5th:

• “The Best Diwali Ever” by Sonali Shah
• “Diwali: Festival of Lights” by Rina Singh

Language Arts

• Story Comparison: Read multiple Diwali stories and compare/contrast
• Narrative Writing: “Write your own ‘good vs. evil’ story”
• Vocabulary: Learn words like diya, rangoli, Lakshmi, nirvana
• Perspective Writing: Tell a Diwali story from different character viewpoints

Math

• Use the Count the Diyas activities from This Month™
• Symmetry: Create symmetrical rangoli patterns
• Patterns: ABAB, AABB patterns with diya manipulatives
• Word Problems: Story problems about sharing sweets (included in This Month™ resources)

Social Studies

• Geography: Locate India and South Asian countries on a map
• Timeline: Place Diwali stories on a historical timeline
• Cultural Diversity: Explore how the same holiday is celebrated differently
• Immigration: Discuss how celebrations travel and adapt (if age-appropriate)

Art

• Rangoli Designs: Create geometric floor art with colored chalk or paper
• Diya Decorating: Decorate paper or clay diyas
• Light and Shadow: Explore how light creates patterns
• Mendhi Patterns: Learn about henna designs (hands-on or coloring sheets)

Science

• Light and Dark: Study how light travels, reflects, and illuminates
• Fire Safety: Discuss safe ways to use candles and lamps
• Moon Phases: Diwali falls on the new moon—explore lunar cycles

K-2nd Grade:

• “Why do you think people light candles during Diwali?”
• “What does it mean when we say ‘good wins over bad’?”
• “How do lights make you feel?”
• “What are some ways your family celebrates special days?”

3rd-5th Grade:

• “Why might different groups celebrate the same holiday for different reasons?”
• “What do all the Diwali stories have in common?”
• “How is celebrating Diwali in America different from or similar to celebrating in India?”
• “Why do you think festivals of light are important to many cultures?”
• “What can we learn from the idea that ‘light overcomes darkness’?”

Invite Families:

• Ask families who celebrate to share their traditions (optional, not required)
• Host a “Festivals Around the World” family night
• Share photos of classroom activities with families

Religious Sensitivity

• Diwali is a religious holiday for many families—treat it with respect
• Don’t require participation in religious aspects
• Teach about the holiday, not practice of the holiday
• If your school has policies about religious holidays, follow them

Avoid Stereotypes

• Not all Indian families celebrate Diwali
• Not all families who celebrate Diwali are from India
• South Asia includes many countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan
• There’s tremendous diversity within South Asian cultures

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

• Appreciation: Learning about, respecting, understanding the meaning
• Appropriation: Wearing as a costume, using sacred symbols without understanding
• Focus on education and respect, not just “fun activities”

Timing:

October/November (check the specific date each year as it varies based on the lunar calendar)

Duration Options:

• Minimum: One focused lesson (45-60 minutes)
• Recommended: A week-long unit with multiple activities
• Ideal: Part of a broader “Festivals of Light” or “World Cultures” unit

Integration Options:

• Stand-alone cultural celebration
• Part of world religions/cultures unit
• Included in fall festivals exploration
• Connected to social studies curriculum on India or South Asia

This Month™ Diwali Resources:

• Interactive “Count the Diyas” Math Worksheets
• Printable Diwali Tabola Game
• Diya Manipulatives (numbered and unnumbered)
• Sweet Sharing Story Problems

Online Resources:

• National Geographic Kids: Diwali
• PBS Learning Media: Diwali Resources
• Smithsonian: Diwali Celebration

Community Resources:

• Invite a local Hindu, Sikh, or Jain community member to speak (with proper school approval)
• Visit a temple or cultural center (if available and appropriate)
• Partner with cultural organizations for authentic resources