It is a Hindu ‘festival of lights’ which celebrates the New Year.

What is Diwali?

The word Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’.

Diwali is a very important holiday celebrated around the world.

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Lamps are lit to help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.

Celebrating Diwali

They also celebrate a Diwali legend; the story of the return of Rama and Sita to Rama’s kingdom after fourteen years of

living away from their home.

The festival usually honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

• decorating the home with lots of lights;

Celebrating Diwali

• wearing new clothes;

• spring cleaning the home;

The festival is a time for:

• exchanging gifts;

• preparing festive meals;

• putting on huge firework displays.

Celebrating Diwali

Rangoli are drawn on the floorsof the house.

Rangoli are patterns and the most popular subject is the lotus flower.

In India, Hindus leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi

can come in.