Essay on Diwali for Students and Children
Essay on Diwali for Students and Children
Diwali is one of the biggest and most important festivals in India.
It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhists all across India and the world.
The name “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “dipavali” which means “row of lights.”
During Diwali, homes are decorated with little oil lamps called diyas.
Colorful rangoli designs are made on the floor using colored powders, rice, or sand.
Fireworks light up the night sky. Families get together to celebrate, exchange gifts, eat delicious foods, and rejoice.
But what is Diwali really all about?
Let me explain!
The Story of Diwali
There are many stories and legends that explain why Diwali is celebrated.
One of the most famous tales is about Lord Rama, who was the prince of Ayodhya.
After defeating the wicked king Ravana and rescuing his wife Sita, he returned home after being away for 14 years.
To celebrate Rama’s triumphant return and the victory of light over darkness, the people of Ayodhya lit up the entire kingdom with tiny diyas.
Another story involves Lord Krishna, who defeated the cruel king Narakasura.
After vanquishing Narakasura, Lord Krishna came back to his people and told them to light diyas to celebrate their newfound freedom.
In Jainism, Diwali is significant because it marks the day when Lord Mahavira achieved Nirvana, or eternal happiness.
For Sikhs, Diwali is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, which celebrates the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from jail by the Mughal emperor.
Even though there are various reasons for celebrating, the essence of Diwali is the same: it’s a time to rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The Five Days of Diwali
The Diwali festivities traditionally last for five days:
Day 1 – Dhanteras: This day kicks off the Diwali celebrations.
People like to buy new clothes, jewelry, and kitchen items.
It’s a good day to purchase things made of metal or precious materials.
Day 2 – Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdasi: On this day, small lamps are lit outside homes to celebrate Lord Krishna’s win over the demon Narakasura.
Families come together to make delicious sweets and snacks for the Diwali celebrations ahead.
Day 3 – Diwali/Lakshmi Puja: This is the biggest day of the festival! Homes are beautifully decorated with colorful rangolis, and diyas are lit in the evening, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Families perform the Lakshmi Puja to ask for blessings from the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Friends and family exchange gifts and sweets.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: The day after Diwali is dedicated to honoring Lord Krishna’s triumph over Indra, the god of rain and storms.
Families create small models of the Govardhan hill and walk around them as part of the celebration.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: This is the final day of Diwali when sisters hold a special ceremony for their brothers’ health and happiness.
In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters.
Diwali Celebrations
The main Diwali celebration happens on the third day when the whole atmosphere is electric with joy and festivity!
Here are some of the highlights:
Lighting Diyas:
Diwali is known as the “festival of lights,” and it truly lives up to that name!
Every house, whether big or small, is adorned with lovely clay diyas or lamps.
The soft light from these lamps represents the triumph of light over darkness.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are a must-have for Diwali! When night falls, the sky lights up with stunning fireworks shows.
Both kids and adults have a blast setting off crackers like rockets, sparklers, and other colorful fireworks.
Rangoli Designs:
Colorful rangoli patterns are created on the floors of homes and buildings using colored powders, rice, sand, or flowers.
These beautiful designs are made to welcome the goddess Lakshmi and attract good fortune.
Sweets & Food:
India is well-known for its delicious sweets and snacks.
During Diwali, every home prepares a variety of tasty treats like laddoos, barfis, jalebis, chaklis, sev, and many more!
Friends and family share these sweets as gifts.
Shopping:
Buying new clothes and gifts is a big part of the Diwali festivities.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, markets are filled with people shopping for new outfits, jewelry, home decorations, sweets, and presents for their loved ones.
Visiting Temples:
Many people go to temples to pray to deities like Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati.
The temples are beautifully decorated and lit up for the celebration.
Family Time:
Most importantly, Diwali is a time for family gatherings and reunions.
Family members who live far away or in different cities make an effort to come home.
The celebrations are full of love and togetherness.
You may want to read more:
Diwali Across India
Diwali is a festival celebrated all over India, but the way people celebrate it can be a bit different depending on where they are:
In North India, especially in places like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan, Diwali is a big deal.
Streets and neighborhoods are filled with millions of diyas and colorful rangolis.
People also enjoy playing cards as part of the festivities.
In Gujarat, the celebrations focus a lot on Lakshmi Puja.
Businesses are beautifully decorated, and this Puja is done to ask for blessings for a successful year.
Plus, the Gujarati New Year begins right after Diwali.
In East India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha, Kali Puja is more important than Diwali.
Still, the five-day celebration includes lighting diyas and some similar customs.
In South India, in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Diwali has its own special twist.
People worship cows and their calves, and there’s a fascinating story about Lord Krishna that goes along with this tradition.
Diwali Around the World
Because of the worldwide Indian community, Diwali is celebrated with lots of excitement in many places like the USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, and others.
Colorful fairs, fun activities, and events are put together by Indian community groups.
Famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Trafalgar Square, and Little India in Singapore are lit up with beautiful lights to honor the “Festival of Lights.”
Cultural programs feature traditional Indian dance, music, and plays that explain the importance of Diwali.
Diwali – The Festival of Joy
Diwali is really about sharing light, love, knowledge, and happiness.
It honors important human values like defeating evil with good, replacing ignorance with wisdom, and standing up for what is right.
The vibrant colors, fun celebrations, delicious sweets, and time spent with family make Diwali a special time.
It’s a moment to forgive past issues, embrace joyful new starts, and strengthen the connections of love and kindness with friends and family.
Wishing you a Happy Diwali!
