Diwali, also called the Festival of Light, is a joyful celebration mostly in India and other parts of South Asia. It is a time during which people celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali usually lasts five days. Families clean their homes and decorate them with small oil lamps (called diyas), candles, and colourful art called rangoli. At night, people light fireworks and enjoy sweet treats like ladoo and barfi.
Many people pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and hope for good fortune in the following year. Friends and families also exchange gifts and wear new clothes.
Diwali is not only celebrated in India. People in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia also enjoy the festival. In these places, there are public events with music, dancing, food, and fireworks.
Diwali is a time for happiness, hope, and togetherness. It brings people closer and reminds everyone to spread light and kindness.
Rangoli – decorations made from coloured powder
Image :Subharnab Majumdar, CC BY 2.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
Words
- celebrate = to do something special or have fun on a certain day
- decorate = to make a room or house look prettier by putting things in it
- evil = bad things
- exchange = to give and receive
- gift = present
- goddess = a female god
- good fortune = good luck
- joyful = very happy
- kindness = being kind towards someone
- public event = event that everyone can go to, and you do not have to be invited
- spread = here: to share with others
- togetherness = being part of a group of people
- treat = a special food that tastes good
- victory = win
- wealth = being rich