Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year, is celebrated by the Hindu community, amongst others. The festival lasts five days and is seen as the celebration of the “victory of good over evil.” To many, this story is something they have grown up with, while others may be unfamiliar with the traditions or the festival itself.
The Festival of Lights is something that should be shared, and these seven books can help those to understand the traditions and the culture surrounding it. Many of these books are ones that dive into the myths around it, as well as showcase the traditions associated with the festival. Get ready to take part in the Festival of Lights and learn more about the Hindu culture.
Diwali: A Festival of Lights by Anita Yasuda and Illustrated by Darshika Varma
Diwali: A Festival of Lights is a great read-aloud story for families and kids to get them ready for the holiday. With descriptions of all the traditions and the meaning behind them, it is the perfect introduction to Diwali. This book highlights the joy and togetherness that comes with the festival and is an excellent resource to introduce cultural diversity and holiday traditions. It is engaging, educational, and visually draws you into the story to help those who want to learn about it. Yasuda and Varma’s book is a great addition to your shelf to learn more about the Festival of Lights.
Diwali by Hannah Eliot and Illustrated by Archana Screenivasan
A part of a series that highlights special occasions and celebrations around the world, Hannah Eliot brings to life the festival in her book Diwali. In a board book format, the traditions of Diwali come to life off the page in a way that children will enjoy. It introduces a story told through graphics and reading that is simple enough for younger ages to understand. As you read, you learn about the festivities and celebrations behind Diwali, and not as much about the religious parts. Be sure to add this book to your list so that you can learn more about the cultural traditions of the festival.
Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali by Jatinder Verma and Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry
For something with a more engaging story and an older audience, The Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali is the one to read. This book is a chapter book for children, retelling the story of the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. The story of the Prince’s victory is the basis for the annual Festival of Lights, when people illuminate their homes to celebrate the return of light and goodness. Verma focuses on the festival and adapts it to tell the story of Diwali. Prince of Fire is an action-packed narrative featuring heroic characters and colorful illustrations that will appeal to children while also teaching them about the story behind the festival.
Diwali: Festival of Lights by Rina Singh
Discovering different traditions in the modern world can be difficult, but with Singh, she can help ease your mind with Diwali: Festival of Lights. Her book is a personal take on traditions, providing her inside look at the holiday. With festive recipes, stories, she brings to life the holiday’s traditions, food, and rituals, and takes you on a journey to see how this festival is enjoyed throughout the world. This book is more than just an informative book and dives into a more individual mindset of the culture and traditions of Diwali.
Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel
Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel takes the story and celebrations of Diwali in a different light. The author paints the story in a romantic setting, placing both of the main characters in a pursuit of celebrating the festival. Set in a hate-to-love teen rom-com, the love interests celebrate the five days of Diwali, which invites readers to visit the traditions of Diwali uniquely. The book represents the coming together and charming sides of Diwali, seeking to give another way of preserving the holiday. Patel takes rom-coms and the traditions of Diwali, creating a book that is a one-stop shop for the vibrant holiday.
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
A Holly Jolly Diwali is a holiday romance that showcases India’s festival of lights. The story is about rediscovering your roots, exploring your family, South Asian culture, and cultural traditions brought to life through the characters. Take part in a holiday adventure to India that is every bit a lighthearted romance mixed with the cultural traditions set for Diwali. Unlike other novels about the holiday, Diwali takes a backseat in the premise, but still shines through to get the traditions of it across to readers learning about the festival. This book gives a glimpse into the beautiful festival and highlights the way that individuals combine cultures.
Colors of Diwali: A Festival of Light and Joy by Dipan Kumar Das and Sudip Kumar. Das
Looking for something more on the side of a non-fiction approach to Diwali and its traditions, this book would apply. Colors of Diwali: A Festival of Light and Joy gives readers chapters that set aside all the different aspects of the holiday, making it easy to follow and to join in on. From the significance to the roots to the design of the holiday to even the cultural traditions associated with it, this book covers it all. This book celebrates the vibrancy of the festival and showcases the diversity of Diwali traditions across different aspects of life.
With more of an understanding of the traditions of Diwali, it is time to take part in them and become a part of the celebration of the Festival of Lights. Invite your family and friends to join in on the holiday and connect over the different stories that make up the beloved community holiday. Join in on the journey of discovering new cultures and celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Want to learn more about Diwali? Click here.
Find more books about different cultures on our Mythos & Legends Unveiled: A Cultural Tapestry of Tales bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
