Essay on Diwali for Students and Children

Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most celebrated festivals in India.

It means a lot to millions of people, not just in India but all over the globe.

The name “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which translates to “a row of lamps.”

During this festival, people light small clay lamps known as diyas to represent the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali is a joyful time filled with celebration and togetherness.

It is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each with their unique customs and beliefs.

This topic is part of our English Essays for English learners.

Table of Contents

The Story of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated for different reasons across various regions of India and among different communities.

The most common story associated with Diwali comes from Hindu mythology.

It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile.

During his exile, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, Sita.

When Lord Rama returned home, the people of Ayodhya lit thousands of diyas to welcome him and celebrate his victory.

This is why lighting lamps is a significant part of the Diwali celebration.

In other parts of India, Diwali is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and decorated.

People pray to her for good fortune and success in the coming year.

For Sikhs, Diwali marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment in 1619.

For Jains, Diwali is the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained moksha or liberation.

Buddhists, particularly in Nepal, celebrate Diwali to honor Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.

Preparations for Diwali

The preparations for Diwali begin weeks before the festival.

People clean and decorate their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Cleaning the house is seen as a way to get rid of negativity and make space for positive energy.

Many families also renovate or repaint their homes during this time.

The decorations for Diwali are beautiful and colorful.

People hang bandhanwars (decorative garlands) on their doors, make rangolis (colorful patterns made with colored powder, rice, or flowers) on the floor, and decorate their homes with flowers and lights.

The markets are full of activity, with people buying clothes, sweets, gifts, and firecrackers.

Shops are beautifully decorated with lights and colorful items to attract customers.

New clothes are a significant part of Diwali celebrations.

Wearing new clothes is a symbol of starting afresh and leaving behind the past.

People also buy gold, silver, or utensils during this time, as it is considered auspicious.

How Diwali is Celebrated

Diwali is a five-day celebration, with each day having its own significance and customs.

Let us look at how these five days are celebrated:

Day 1: Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras.

It is believed that buying gold, silver, or utensils on this day brings good luck and prosperity.

People clean their homes and light lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Many also perform rituals to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and medicine.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

The second day is known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali.

On this day, people take a bath early in the morning and apply fragrant oils.

This ritual symbolizes the cleansing of the body and soul.

It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day, freeing the world from his evil rule.

In the evening, people light diyas and decorate their homes.

Day 3: Diwali (Main Festival)

The third day is the main day of Diwali.

On this day, homes are decorated with diyas, candles, and electric lights.

People perform the Lakshmi Puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, in the evening.

Families gather to worship and pray for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.

After the puja, people burst firecrackers, share sweets, and exchange gifts with friends and family.

Fireworks are a major part of Diwali celebrations.

They light up the night sky and bring joy to children and adults alike.

However, in recent years, there has been growing awareness about the pollution caused by firecrackers.

Many people are now choosing eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja.

This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra.

People prepare food items and offer them to the gods.

In some regions, people also celebrate it as Annakut, where a large variety of food is prepared and shared with the community.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj.

It is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.

On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.

This day is similar to Raksha Bandhan and is a beautiful way to honor sibling relationships.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.

It is not just about lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers; it is a celebration of life, unity, and togetherness.

The festival teaches us important values:

Victory of Good over Evil
Diwali reminds us that goodness and truth will always triumph over evil.

The stories of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna inspire people to stand up for what is right and overcome challenges in life.

Light over Darkness
The lamps and lights of Diwali symbolize hope and positivity.

They remind us to spread light in the lives of others, especially those who are less fortunate.

Wealth and Prosperity
Diwali is also a time to pray for wealth, health, and success.

Businesses often consider Diwali as the start of a new financial year and perform prayers for prosperity.

Family and Togetherness
Diwali brings families and friends together.

People visit each other’s homes, share sweets, and exchange gifts.

It strengthens relationships and promotes love and harmony.

Diwali Celebrations Around the World

Diwali isn’t only a festival in India; it’s celebrated all around the world!

Many countries with Indian populations join in the fun.

For example, places like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and Mauritius even have Diwali as a public holiday.

In countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, people celebrate Diwali in temples, community centers, and their homes.

Big cities such as London, New York, and Toronto hold exciting Diwali events featuring fireworks, food stalls, and cultural shows.

These celebrations are a great way for people from different backgrounds to learn about Diwali and what it means.

The Role of Sweets and Gifts in Diwali

Sweets play an essential role in Diwali celebrations.

Traditional sweets like laddoos, barfis, gulab jamuns, and jalebis are prepared and shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

Offering sweets symbolizes sharing joy and good fortune.

Gifting is another important tradition during Diwali.

People exchange gifts as a token of love and appreciation.

Gifts can include sweets, dry fruits, clothes, jewelry, or household items.

Nowadays, eco-friendly gifts like plants, handmade candles, and organic products are becoming popular.

Environmental Concerns

While Diwali is a beautiful festival, it also brings some environmental challenges.

The bursting of firecrackers leads to air and noise pollution, which can be harmful to people, animals, and the environment.

In recent years, there has been a strong call to celebrate a “Green Diwali.”

Many people are now choosing eco-friendly alternatives like:

Lighting diyas and candles instead of using electric lights.
Avoiding firecrackers and celebrating with music, dance, and cultural activities.
Giving eco-friendly gifts such as plants or handmade products.
Making rangolis with natural colors instead of chemical-based powders.

By celebrating Diwali in an eco-friendly way, we can enjoy the festival while also protecting the environment.

Final thoughts

Diwali is a festival filled with happiness, brightness, and togetherness.

It shows us how to conquer darkness with light and to share love, kindness, and joy.

This time of year is perfect for thinking about the importance of truth, goodness, and unity.

When we celebrate Diwali, we should keep in mind what it really stands for and spread our happiness to others, especially those who need it most.

As we light our lamps and wish for good fortune, let’s also promise to help make the world a better place.

By celebrating Diwali in a thoughtful way and caring for our environment, we can make sure this wonderful festival continues to bring joy to people in the future.

Diwali is a reminder that light will always win over darkness, and that good will always triumph over evil.