Happy DIWALI
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Kids Learn About Diwali
October 2022
Brown Bobcats
On October 24, 2022 our hearts join with over 1 billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world who celebrate Diwali - the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate the new year.
Happy Diwali - Happy New Year.
Respectfully,
Ms. Julie Von Berckefeldt
TK-6th School Counselor
"May the diyas light lead you onto the road of growth and prosperity. Happy Diwali!"
- Unknown
What is Diwali?
- Diwali is an important festival in India and a national holiday in parts of the world
- It is also known as Deepavali or the "festival of lights" - Deepavali is derived from "the rows (avali) of lit lamps (deep or diya)"
- Marks the start of the Hindu New Year
- Four of the world's oldest religions celebrate Diwali for slightly varying reasons: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
- There are many legends explaining the origin of Diwali, but the most commonly shared one is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance
5 Days of Diwali
This year Diwali starts on October 24, 2022 - is celebrated over 5 days:
- DAY 1: People clean their homes, decorate with fresh flowers, and go shopping
- DAY 2: People decorate their homes with diyas (clay lamps) and create a rangoli (colored sand or powder designs) on the floor
- DAY 3: The main day of the festival when families gather together for prayer before enjoying a lavish meal and spectacular fireworks.
- DAY 4: The first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit each other with gifts and well wishes.
- DAY 5: Brothers visit their married sisters and they share a lavish meal together.
More Information
The Origins of Diwali - India's Biggest Holiday
- While different regions of India celebrate Diwali for various reasons, good triumphing over evil is the belief among all of the legends
- It is believed that Diwali - the Festival of Lights has been celebrated for more than 2500 years
- Considered a national holiday for many countries; Diwali is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians.
- Celebrating with fireworks is a common tradition during Diwali - likened to the tradition of the Christmas tree at Christmas
Diwali Read Aloud Books for Kids
Diwali Fun for Kids
Diwali Fiestas and Parades
Local and International Celebrations
Brown Elementary School
K-6th School Counselor
(209) 565-0179
© 2021-2023 Julie Von Berckefeldt
Email: jvonberckefeldt@turlock.k12.ca.us
Website: https://www.turlock.k12.ca.us/brown
Location: Walter M Brown Elementary, Georgetown Avenue, Turlock, CA, USA
Phone: 209 634-7231