Introduction to Diwali

Explaining Dwali

1. D i w a l i A Celebration of lights Diwali is on the 19 th 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Day Five: Bhai D oo j 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.

9. Diwali in Australia Many Hindu families celebrate Diwali in a similar way to the celebrations traditionally h eld 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

10. 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

11. 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.

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

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

14. 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