Happy Diwali! One *billion* people around the world celebrate this holiday.
Teaching our kids about the beauty of other cultures' awesome holidays is an easy way to plant seeds of tolerance, respect and love for all people around the world. Diwali is celebrated by a billion of the world's citizens, so let's learn more about it right now!
Fortunately for us busy grownups, Diwali lasts a full five days (this year it starts on Wednesday, October 23 and ends on Sunday, October 27), so you've got a good window of opportunity -- including a weekend -- to talk about it and maybe even do a fun Diwali craft.
Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, and most often associated with India. It's a massive celebration, as big as Christmas is to Christians. On Diwali people celebrate the triumph of good (light) over evil (darkness), and the power of our inner light that drives away spiritual darkness.
Visit a household celebrating this awesome holiday and you're sure to see lots of diyas, the little clay lamp pictured on our Whatever You Celebrate, Have A Happy One shirt to symbolize Diwali.
Whatever You Celebrate, Have A Happy One by Free To Be Kids (Shop Now >)
Simple Kids' Project: Make A Paper Diya!
Want skip the actual flames and just make something that looks like a beautiful diya with a flame? We found the perfect project! Head over to Artsy Craftsy Mom for instructions on how to make these cuties. Don't have corrugated paper or sequin stickers? It's okay, we can confirm they turn out adorable with just basic supplies. Go check out the instructions. You can do this.
Families who celebrate Diwali also create beautiful rangoli in their homes from colorful powders or sand. Rangoli welcome the goddess Lakshmi - and their guests - into the home.
Simple Kids' Project: Make A Paper Plate Rangoli!
We found this adorable - and not too messy - craft idea on the Red Ted Art site. No colored powders required (phew). Just paper plates, colored paper, scissors, and glue. There's even a video to show you how to rock this craft! Check it out.
Check Your Library For A Diwali Book!
Our favorite is The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta. It tells the story of three little monkeys who are trying to guess what might be in a special Diwali package sent by their dadima (grandma) in India.
We wish you a wonderful, educational, joyous Diwali!
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