Why and How We Celebrate Diwali
By Suvarna Mehta, 9 (Grade 4)

Diwali is a Hindu holiday. Hindu families all over the world celebrate Diwali in November. Diwali is a festival of lights. Families decorate their houses and put Diyas* and lights all over. People wear new clothes and exchange gifts of sweets with each other. The biggest part of the celebration for children is the fireworks.

Most businessmen start their new accounting year on the Diwali day. They perform services in worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

We celebrate Diwali because on this day God Ram returned to his kingdom from 14 years of dwelling in a forest.

* Diyas are special types of lamps. They are made of clay or sometimes made of metal. They are usually shaped like a bowl. We light them with a cotton wick dipped in oil. On the night of Diwali we put rows of these lamps all around and inside the house.

Diyas at Diwali