Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights, which takes place between October and November.
It is a time for families to get together, give presents and decorate their houses with bright lights.
It is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains all around the world.
Find out how Deeya celebrates Diwali in this video from My First Festivals.
Narrator: This is Deeya. She’s seven years old, and this is her Mum.
Today, Deeya will do something new for the first time, but what will it be?
Deeya’s Mum: Guess what’s round the corner, Deeya? Diwali, the Festival of Light!
Deeya and Mum: Yes!
Narrator: Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Light and is one of the most important celebrations for Hindu people.
It’s all about light defeating darkness, spending time with your family and praying.
Deeya, Mum and Gran have all come to visit her Great Grandma. It’s traditional at Diwali to decorate with lights, so Deeya makes a tealight path and hangs glow sticks on a tree.
Once finished, they go back inside to help Gran with a Rangoli floor picture.
First, they use dry rice to make the outline of the wing. Then Deeya sprinkles purple coloured sand all over the rice.
Deeya: All finished.
Gran: Looking really good.
Narrator: The colourful patterns make a wonderful peacock for Diwali.
The next morning, Deeya and her family have put on their best clothes for the main celebration.
They start the day at the family altar, where statues of God called Murti, are looked after by the family and prayed to.
The family are all gathering to celebrate Diwali with a meal together.
Deeya’s family: Happy Diwali!
Narrator: Everyone greets each other. It’s really busy!
After a meal, they exchange cards and sing together.
[Everybody singing]
Everybody: Diwali is here! Diwali is here! Happiness arrives! Happiness arrives! Wooo!
Narrator: After the party, the celebrations continue at the local temple.
The drama group perform a play from a Hindu story, where Lord Vishnu defeats darkness and returns home.
Actor playing Vishnu: I have lived in the forest for forty years, but your sacrifice is much bigger than mine.
Narrator: The play ends with a colourful dance.
After the show, everyone goes outside to watch a firework display. Wow!
Deeya: Happy Diwali, Mum!
Deeya’s Mum: Happy Diwali!
Narrator: Today, Deeya celebrated Diwali. There is a first time for everything.
Where next?
Find more videos and activities for Reception.
WATCH: Light and dark
RECEPTION
My First Festivals
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