A celebration of culture

1. Diwali
By Ishwari, Dilsha,
Luxsana and Alisha

2. How do I celebrate
Diwali?
Ishwari Kotecha
In the days leading up to Diwali, we
decorate the house with Rangoli
designs. We use powdered colours to
paint the floors and the front garden
On the first
day,
Dhanteras, we
worship
Lakshmi the
goddess of
wealth.
The second
day is called
Kali Chaudas.
On this day
we relax and
stay in our
homes.
The third day is
Diwali. We meet
with our family in
the evening where
we eat and
exchange sweets.
Later we go to the
temple and watch
the fireworks
display.
The fourth day
is New Years
day. We often
light fireworks
and visit distant
family members
on this day.
The final day is
Bhai Beej. This
day celebrates
the love between
siblings. The
sisters usually
prepare sweets or
special food for
their brothers.

3. What is Diwali and how does my family celebrate it?
Diwali is the Hindu
festival of Light and
brings good wealth
to families. It is
celebrated in
Autumn.
On Diwali day, we dress up
and go to temple in the
evening. The temple would
be decorated with
beautiful Rangoli patterns
and lamps. We also invite
our close family to our
house for dinner.
5 days before Diwali,
we light lamps/
candles around our
house. This is to
welcome Lord Laxmi
and wards off dark
and evil.
The day after Diwali is
known as Ankot (The
Hindu new year) On this
day we wear our new
clothes and go to
everyone's houses to
meet and greet them for
the new year.

5. Diwali in Luxsana’s house
• Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated to mark the victory of
light over darkness; good over evil.
• First we cleanse ourselves by taking oil bath, wearing new
clothing. Then my sister and I make colourful, beautiful Rangoli
patterns and place a lamp in the centre of the pattern.
• Next, our house is lit with traditional earth lamps and pray to
goddess of wealth known as Lakshmi. The lighting of oil lamps is
significant as it invites blessings and prosperities.
• After, we receive money as gifts along with delicious, mouth
watering sweets.
• Finally, we do fireworks and invite our family and friends to visit.

6. Diwali at Alisha’s house:
On Diwali, my and my family all go to our grandparents house to show our respect to them and wish them a happy
new year! We all go to the temple and pray to god and come with lots of sweets and savoury snacks which taste yum!
We all come home and eat all different foods like:
• Barfi
• Jalebi
• Dhokra
• Samosa
• Puri