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Diwali, also spelled Divali, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. Celebrated by more than 800 million people around the world, the word Diwali is Sanskrit and it means "row of lights." Each day of the festival has a special meaning, Dhanteras or Day of Fortune, Naraka Chaturdashi or Day of Knowledge, Diwali or Day of Light, Annuk or New Year and Bhai Duj or Day of love between siblings.
The holiday is a celebration of light over darkness and good triumphing over evil. Households who celebrate mark the holiday by cleaning their homes and decorating them with lights, including oil lamps called "diya," preparing and sharing special meals, exchanging gifts, creating intricate Rangoli art and more. This Diwali, DC Public Library invites you to check out these beautiful picture books about the holiday to read with your family!
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A Sweet Diwali, by Harshita Jerath
Raina is excited to celebrate Diwali, a Hindu holiday that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Along with her family and her best friend, Lion (a little dog with a big sweet tooth!), Raina helps prepare for the celebration. She decorates the house with clay lamps called diyas, makes beautiful rangoli designs with sand, watches colorful fireworks, and shares sweet treats with Lion. It's a Diwali to remember!
The Best Diwali Ever, by Sonali Shah and Chaaya Prabhat
The Festival of Lights is nearly here! Join Ariana and her family during their spectacular celebration of Diwali. Ariana can't wait to participate in all of her favorite holiday traditions: making delicious sweets, lighting diyas around the house, and the rangoli competition! As long as her younger brother, Rafi, doesn't ruin everything with his clumsiness, this could be the best Diwali ever. With vibrant imagery, joyous text, and an important lesson about celebrating the people you love for who they are (especially silly younger brothers!), this lovely picture book is perfect for a family read aloud.
Check Out The Best Diwali Ever
The Light Within You, by Namita Moolani Mehra, illustrated by Kamala Nair
Diya is excited to be going to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That means she'll get to spend time with Nani, her beloved grandma, who she hasn't seen since her family moved from India. Once Diya arrives in India, she immediately feels at home with Nani. Together they go shopping at the bazaar and prepare for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali together, Diya's heart soars. But all too soon, her trip will come to an end. Is there a way for Diya to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she leaves?
Check Out The Light Within You
It's Diwali!, Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal, Ilustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Count up to ten and back down again to the tune of "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" while learning about the traditions that make Diwali a fun-filled festival! Celebrated during autumn harvest, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. From sweet treats to intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, kids will delight in this vibrant glimpse into the Festival of Lights.
Binny's Diwali, Written by Thrity Umrigar, Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani