Explaining Dwali

1. Diwali
A Celebration of lights
Diwali is on the 19th of October
2017.

2. Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is a really important festival for Hindus. This is because Diwali is the day
that the God Rama defeated Ravana the Demon.
Diwali represents the victory of good over evil. Diwali is also known as the festival
of lights.

5. Diwali in India
Diwali lasts over five days
with each day having a
special name and events
linked to it.
Although there are five main
days, preparations can starts
days or even weeks in
advance.
Different regions of India and
other parts of the world may
celebrate Diwali in their own
special way.

6. Day One: Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali celebrations begin by homes and businesses being
cleaned and decorated. Rangoli are drawn at the entrances of building by
women and children.
Lights are arranged around homes. They are lit on the night of Dhanteras
and are kept burning throughout the night to welcome Lakshmi.
Dhanteras is also the main shopping day of Diwali, especially
for gold and silver items and new clothes.

7. Day Two: Naraka Chaturdasi
In some regions of India, special bathing rituals are held, such as a
fragranced oil bath. Prayers or pujas may also be performed.
Women will decorate their hands with an ancient form of body art called
mehndi (henna). Families will cook traditional Indian sweets (mithai) in
preparation for Diwali.

8. Day Three: Lakshmi Puja
The third day is the main festival day of Diwali.
People will dress in new clothes. Diyas are lit and
pujas (prayers) are held for Lakshmi and other
gods and goddess dependent on where families
live.
Mothers are celebrated for working so hard. Lit
lamps and candles are placed in rows around
houses and temples. Some oil lamps (diyas) are
placed and left to drift down rivers.
Families and friends are celebrated and gifts are
exchanged. After puja, fireworks are lit to chase
away the evil spirits. Families enjoy their time
together by celebrating and eating a feast.

9. Day Four: Padwa
Padwa honours the love between a wife and a husband. Married couples
exchange gifts and often share a special meal together.
Padwa is the start of a new year; shops and businesses will remain closed
on this day.

10. Day Five: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali celebrates the love between brothers and
sisters. Pujas are held and gifts are exchanged to honour the importance of
siblings as well as wishing each other great success in the future.

11. Diwali in Australia
Many Hindu families celebrate Diwali in a similar
way to the celebrations traditionally held in India.
Families will:
spring clean
their homes
light
candles,
lanterns and
oil lamps
wear new
clothes and
jewellery
visit a
temple
enjoy a feast
with family
and friends
share
traditional
stories
exchange
gifts

12. Diwali in Australia
In Australia, some cities have large celebrations such as fairs to celebrate
Diwali.
These events may include:
fireworks
dancing and
performances
food stalls
mehndi or
henna painting
the lighting of
lanterns,
candles or
lamps to bring
good luck

13. The Story Of Rama And Ravana
The story of Rama and Ravana is very interesting, the story features some
very exciting scenes.
Here is the Video of the Story.

14. Diwali for Rudra, Harry and Juswin (Gd 6)

15. Diwali for Shweta (St.Theresa's Parent)

16. Happy Diwali !!
We hope all of you have a
great Diwali and have a day
full of happiness,
excitement and fun.
Remember, on this day you
must respect elders and
listen to what your parents
say.
Rudra, Harry and Juswin