6 must-read children’s books this Diwali

NEW DELHI: Diwali is a festival of light that is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Kartik of the Hindu calendar every year. It is a festival that promotes light over darkness. Around this time of the year, people decorate their houses with diyas, rangoli and kandal. And children must be aware of how and why we celebrate this beautiful festival.

They need to understand the significance of Diwali customs. Parents can introduce their children to these customs through stories and plays. We at Careers360 have listed six books about Diwali traditions that children can read.

Amma, Tell Me About Diwali by Bhakti Mathur

This book by Bhakti Mathur introduces the reader to the cultural significance of Diwali. It shares the aspects of traditions associated with the custom of lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers and buying new clothes as part of Diwali celebration.

This helps them understand the sensory experiences and rituals that make Diwali special. The characters Klaka and Kiki in the story ask many questions about the festival. Children can connect with the characters’ inquisitiveness making their learning experience more engaging. The book teaches the idea of togetherness in children by signifying the importance of family gatherings during the festival. It tells them why it is important to spend time with one’s family and strengthen family values.

Let's Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi

Anjali Joshi’s children’s book on Diwali introduces children to different customs and traditions around the festival. Harini, a character, shares her Diwali story with her class. She tells her classmates how she celebrates the festival by lighting diyas and listening to the story of Lord Rama and Ravana narrated by her mother. Similarly, other students also share their Diwali experiences. A Buddhist student celebrates Diwali by chanting mantras. Different students have different beliefs and customs around the festival. The book teaches children to respect different customs and traditions. It helps children to be open-minded and enjoy the richness of diversity in our country.

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Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! by Vivek Kumar and Ajanta Chakraborty

This book by Ajanta Chakraborty introduces children to the five days of Diwali. The characters of this book are Maya, Neel, and their pet squirrel, Chintu. They visit their mausi – maternal aunt – in India from Chicago for Diwali who introduces them to five days of the festival – starting with Dhanteras followed by Choti Diwali, Diwali, Saal Mubarak, and Bhai Dooj. She shares the significance of each day which starts with a custom, whether it is buying utensils or making rangoli. The children learn the customs and traditions related to each day. They also get to know how people from many parts of India celebrate the day after Diwali as their new year. This captivating story takes you on a cultural journey, building an awareness of Diwali’s varied traditions, customs, and regional variances.

Lights for Gita by Rachna Gilmore

In Lights for Gita, young Gita celebrates Diwali in her new home in a new country. The story beautifully captures the emotions of a child adapting to a new culture. In this story, the central character is upset as she misses the way she celebrated Diwali back in India. She wants to burst firecrackers. However, her mother explains to her that the festival is just not about firecrackers, but also about lighting up diyas. This teaches children the deeper meaning of the festival, emphasising the importance of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. This story also shares the importance of celebrating festivals with loved ones.

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Binny’s Diwali By Thrity Umrigar

This story by Thrity Umrigar talks about the central character ‘Binny’ who celebrates her Diwali with family and friends. Binny wears a new dress to her class, while her mother wears a saree for Diwali. The book talks about how people have sweets like jalebi and peda for the occasion. Binny shares the significance of lighting diyas, making rangoli, and having sweets on Diwali. She also shares how the fireworks brighten up the sky on Diwali. Binny also affirms that there are many festivals and every one is beautiful on its own. The story teaches about the cultural traditions of food and clothing associated with Diwali. It also discusses the prosperity and positivity the customs like making rangoli and lighting diyas bring. Binny’s statement that each festival is wonderful in its way fosters an awareness of cultural variety. Students realise that there are several festivals, each with its own set of rituals and meaning, which promote tolerance and respect for different cultures.

Raaga’s Song: A Diwali Story By Navina Chhabria

This story by Navina Chhabria revolves around a girl named Raaga who wants to sing at a Diwali festival, but she is scared to do so. Her grandfather has told her the story of how Lord Rama won over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. When Raaga faces the judges at her audition, she feels like the monster is back. But she remembers Lord Rama’s bravery and finds her courage with her family’s support. She learns that with the support of her family members, she can fight everything like Rama did with his army. This story teaches children not to lose hope as with courage they can win over demons of insecurity and fear.