Diwali, the festival of lights, lasts five days, starting with Dhanteras on October 18th and ending with Bhaiya Dooj on October 22.
The joyous holiday is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs in India, throughout the rest of South Asia and around the world. There are many meanings to Diwali – some celebrate to ring in the new year, while others celebrate the triumph of King Rama over Ravana.
Symbols of Diwali include a diya (a small lamp) and lanterns as well as rangoli (designs made on the ground from colorful rice flour or real flowers). We’ve included some Diwali crafts here so kids can make their own easy, kid-safe versions.
If you want to teach your kids about this holiday — the meaning behind the celebration, the story of light and darkness, and good vs. evil, take a look at Shachi Kaushik’s book “Diwali in My New Home.” It’s a sweet story about a girl named Priya who is far from India and must learn how to celebrate her favorite holiday with new friends and neighbors.
(Image courtesy BooksNThings)
These projects from the Smile On blog on YouTube are by far the easiest for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners, but small kids will need some help and, of course, supervision. Note: The final Diwali crafts project is a pictorial representation of firecrackers, which are traditionally set off during Diwali celebrations.
These two YouTube projects (from Blossom Arts and Craft Basket) are good for school-age kids. Some will likely need supervision with scissors on the lantern project.
Read more about the significance of Diwali and its many gifts.
