Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India's most significant and widely celebrated festivals. The anticipation and excitement leading up to Diwali begin weeks in advance, with the markets bearing a festive look. Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning 'rows of illuminated lamps,' Diwali is a time when the entire country comes alive with vibrant celebrations. It also coincides with the harvest season in many regions, signifying the beginning of new beginnings and abundant blessings. It falls in the month of Kartik either in October or November. This year Diwali is on 11th November.
Diwali holds different significance for each religion. For Hindus, it is the day Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. For Sikhs, it is the day their Guru Hargobind was released after 12 years of imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in the 17th century. It is also the day the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in Amritsar was laid in 1577. In Jainism, it is celebrated as the day their leader Mahavir Jain attained moksha or nirvana.
According to Hindu mythology, after Lord Ram defeated the demon king Ravana, he along with Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya. To welcome them and celebrate their victory, the people of Ayodhya decorated the streets with rows upon rows of lighted diyas. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu married Goddess Lakshmi on this day. Many businessmen consider Diwali to be the start of a new financial year. It is a festival celebrating Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over dark. It is also associated with a cleansing of everything and a fresh start. This is why before Diwali people do a thorough cleaning of their homes and offices. Several people get their houses whitewashed and painted. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi only appears in houses which are clean.
Children especially love the festival of Diwali because there are so many things they can do around it. Let's take a look at some of these activities.
Rangoli Making: There is nothing more satisfying than making beautiful patterns and seeing them come alive with colours. These days, there are readymade patterns available in the market where one just needs to fill in the rangoli powders or pastes. Rangoli can also be made with flower petals.
Diya Painting: Diyas, the traditional oil lamps, play a central role in Diwali celebrations. With a wide array of beautifully painted and decorated diyas available in the market, there's no better activity than engaging kids in the art of diya painting. Witness the astonishing creativity children possess as they bring these diyas to life with their unique designs and vibrant colors.
Paper Lanterns: This activity is a delightful way to engage children. Encourage them to repurpose old newspapers by painting them in vibrant hues before transforming them into stunning lanterns.
Make a Flower Garland: Purchase fresh flowers from the local market and assist your little one in stringing them together to create beautiful garlands. These can be utilized to decorate doorways and add a touch of elegance to the Diwali puja.
Storytelling: The festival of Diwali is filled with enchanting tales that captivate the hearts of both young and old. With a plethora of captivating books available, children of all ages can embark on a journey of storytelling that not only entertains but also imparts the profound significance of this joyous festival. Through the art of storytelling, children can immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions and values that Diwali embodies, instilling a deep appreciation for this auspicious celebration.
Cleaning the House: Diwali presents a perfect opportunity to impart the importance of cleanliness to children. Involve them in engaging house cleaning activities in the days leading up to Diwali, allowing them to understand the significance of a clean and tidy environment during this auspicious festival.
There are also a number of interesting workshops being conducted in Delhi-NCR which engage the children and help them celebrate this beautiful festival.
A complete list of these can be found here.
