DeepavaliBy Rohan Kothari

Deepavali– The Festival of Lights

• ‘Deep’ means light, ‘vali’ means ‘Row of’. Deepavali means Row of Lights or Festival of Lights

• It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. It is the start of a New Year for them

• Deepavali is a national holiday in India and Nepal.

• There are 4 ways to write Deepavali : Deepavali, Deepawali, Diwali and Divali.

• There are lots of ways that Deepavali could have started, on the next page I will tell you about it…

The Story of Ramayan

• Have you heard of Ramayana? It is a story about Noble King Ram’s victory over Evil King Ravan. It is a story about victory of good over bad, noble over evil and light over darkness.

• After a 14 year exile in the forest, and after beating King Ravan, King Ram returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita. My mom will tell you the whole story now….

• People of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting up ‘Diyas’ and exploding fire crackers – a tradition which has continued for thousands of years now.

How we celebrate Deepavali

• Deepavali means row of lights or festival of lights. People celebrate it by lighting up ‘Diyas’ or candles and exploding firecrackers

• Houses are thoroughly cleaned, and doors are left open to welcome Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth and Sarasvati – Goddess of Wisdom

• People wear new clothes and buy presents for each other

• Festive meals are prepared. And lots of sweets too

Five Days of Celebrations

• First day is Dhan Theras when people buy Jewellery for good luck

• Second day marks the death of King Narkasur who imprisoned children of the Gods

• Third day is Lakshmi Puja – worshipping the Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune

• Fourth day is ‘Padwa’ – the most auspicious day to start any new venture

• Fifth day is ‘Bhaiya Dooj’ when sisters pray for long successful life of brothers and brothers give presents to sisters in return

Wishing You a Very Happy Deepavali and Prosperous New Year