What Happens During Diwali and Why
Diwali explained for children anywhere in the world — the lamps, the stories and the five days.
The festival of lights
Diwali (Deepavali) means "a row of lamps." Families light diyas and candles because light wins over darkness — just like kindness wins over unkindness.
The stories
- Rama comes home: After 14 years in the forest and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. People lit lamps all along the way to welcome them.
- Krishna and Narakasura: In South India, Diwali celebrates Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura.
- Goddess Lakshmi: On Diwali night families pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, and keep their homes clean and bright to welcome her.
The five days
- Dhanteras — buying something new
- Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali
- Diwali — Lakshmi Puja and lamps
- Govardhan Puja / New Year in Gujarat
- Bhai Dooj — brothers and sisters
Things to do together
- Paint clay diyas
- Make a rangoli at the door with coloured powder or rice
- Share sweets with neighbours and friends at school
Why do we light diyas?
A diya is a small clay lamp with oil or ghee and a cotton wick. One little flame can light up a dark room — just as one kind act can brighten someone's day. On Diwali families put diyas at the door, on windows and around the home so that no corner stays dark.
Why do we make rangoli?
Rangoli — called kolam or alpana in some places — welcomes guests and Goddess Lakshmi to the home. Patterns of dots, lines, flowers and lamps are drawn at the doorway with coloured powder, rice flour or flower petals.
Diwali around the world
Diwali is a public holiday in countries such as Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. In Leicester, in the UK, thousands of lights decorate the Golden Mile, and in London a Diwali festival is held in Trafalgar Square. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas and Jains mark the nirvana of Lord Mahavira at the same time of year.
A kind Diwali
- Share sweets with neighbours who don't celebrate Diwali and tell them what it means
- Keep pets calm and safe — fireworks can frighten animals
- Choose quieter, greener celebrations: more lamps, fewer loud crackers
- Give something to someone in need — Diwali is about sharing light
Frequently asked questions
How can I explain Diwali at school?
Bring a diya and some sweets, and tell the story of Rama coming home — light, welcome and sharing are ideas every child understands.