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DIWALI

WALT understand the meaning of
     the festival of Diwali.
What is Diwali?
• Diwali is a Hindu festival which lasts for 5 days.
• It is also celebrated by Sikhs.
• Diwali means “row of lighted lamps” and is often called the
  Festival of Lights.
• The festival celebrates good over evil; light over darkness.
• The Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) is honoured during Diwali
  which is also considered to be the Hindu New Year.
• Because there are many regions in India, Diwali is
  celebrated in many different ways (and also all over the
  World.)
• Diwali is also used to celebrate a successful harvest.
What happens during Diwali?

        • Wearing new clothes
       • Spring cleaning houses
            • Having feasts
        • Exchanging Presents
         • Lighting Diva lamps
 • Act out the story of Rama and Sita
      • Go to firework displays
Decorating homes and buildings with
fancy lights, candles and lamps (divas)
Fireworks displays
Exchanging sweets and gifts
Drawing Rangoli patterns on floors
Rangoli patterns are drawn to welcome in visitors to people’s homes. They
           are also thought to welcome the Goddess of Wealth.
Some of the ancient legends are re-
             enacted
The story of the demon Narakaasura
• This demon was an evil king. He ruled with a
  reign of terror, abducted 16,000 daughters of the
  gods, and stole the earrings of Aditi, mother of
  the gods.
• The gods asked Lord Krishna for help, and after a
  mighty battle he killed the demon, freed the girls,
  and recovered the earrings.
• After his victory Krishna returned very early in
  the morning and was bathed and massaged with
  scented oils. Taking an early morning bath with
  oil is still a Diwali tradition.
The story of Rama and Sita
• This is probably the most famous Diwali legend
  and many of the traditions practiced nowadays
  relate to the story.
• The demon Ravana had 10 arms and 10 heads
  and was a wicked King. He kidnapped Sita, the
  wife of Rama.
• Rama killed the demon and rescued his wife and
  returned to become King. The people lit rows of
  lamps to guide them home.
What have you learned?
• What does Diwali mean?
• Who celebrates Diwali?
• What sorts of things do people do during
  Diwali?
• Can you think of any similar things you do at a
  special time of year?
• Do you know what the “moral of the story” is?