To have your kids learn about Diwali, begin with adding a little fun. Give them the printouts of our coloring sheets. Each sheet contains an image and its relevance to the festival of Diwali.
These coloring sheets are a part of our Hindi Immersion Program, where we help our parents & kids to learn about Diwali through a poem (using our Talking Board), the story of Ramayana, a video about how people celebrate Diwali, and more coloring sheets.
So, while they are coloring, have a smile on your face, and talk about the meaning and significance of Diwali (given below). Gradually, encourage their coloring skills, and tell them why Diwali is celebrated , what people do now-a-days to enjoy the festivity, and what greetings are exchanged during this time.
Have fun…
Diwali Coloring Sheets for Kids
Coloring Sheet #1: Rangoli is an Indian folk art in which colorful patterns are created on the floor near entrances or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during festivals such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Pongal, and more.
Coloring Sheet #2: Deepak (or diya) is an oil lamp, usually made from clay or brass, with a cotton wick dipped in oil. Clay diyas are used for lighting during special occasions such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), whereas diyas made of brass are permanent fixtures used in homes and temples.
Diwali Greetings
“A Very Happy & Prosperous Diwali to You and Your Family!”
“Shubh Diwali”
These are a couple of common greetings that we exchange with family and friends during the festival of Diwali.
Diwali: Meaning & Significance
The literal meaning of the word “Diwali” or “Deepawali” means “row of lights”. It is one of the most popular Indian festivals, which is celebrated during fall (typically during October or November ). Outside India, this festival is also known by the name of “Festival of Lights”.
It signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Why is Diwali Celebrated
The most commonly known reason to celebrate Diwali is that Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Laxmana returned to their kingdom, Ayodhya, after spending 14 long years in jungle and defeating the evil king Ravana. To celebrate the return of Lord Rama, the citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with illuminated earthen lamps.
What do you do on Diwali
To follow the tradition and to invite the goddess of wealth and happiness, ‘Laxmi’, people usually do the following:
Clean and decorate their homes & business place
Cook delicious sweets and savories
Wear new clothes
Pray to goddess Laxmi
Invite/Visit friends and families and exchange gifts or sweets with them
Light earthen oil lamps
Create Rangoli i.e. colorful designs on the floor near entrances or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals
Fire firecrackers
Parents, please remember that kids will learn the most when they are enjoying and having fun. Be their friends and have a great time teaching them about Diwali!
May this Diwali brings endless joy, love, and prosperity to you and to your family!
