Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will start on November 12 this year. This holiday (also called Deepavali) symbolizes the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” (Source.) Whether you regularly celebrate Diwali or are new to learning about this holiday, here are some picture books perfect for reading right now. (Book summaries are pulled from our library catalog.)
Binny’s Diwali by Thirty N. Umrigar. Binny woke up happy but nervous. It was her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah.
Happy Diwali! by Sanyukta Mathur. This joyful family story follows a little girl from dawn to dusk as she draws rangolis to welcome guests, prepares food with her family including pani puri and chana masala, dresses up in colorful clothing, participates in the puja, and lights the diyas in honor of Diwali: the Hindu festival of lights.
The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra. Diya is excited to be going to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That means she’ll get to spend time with Nani, her beloved grandma, who she hasn’t seen since her family moved from India. Now India is 7,850 miles away… Once Diya arrives in India, she immediately feels at home with Nani. Together they go shopping at the bazaar and prepare for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali together, Diya’s heart soars. But all too soon, her trip will come to an end. Is there a way for Diya to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she leaves?
My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani. Devi loves the Diwali season. It’s a time to wear her favorite red bindi and eat samosas until she bursts! Make mithai and design rangoli with her Papa. And paint diyas with her nani–a reminder to shine her light brightly all year long. This joyful story, with vibrant collage illustrations, follows one girl’s Diwali traditions as her family celebrates their favorite holiday with the ones they love.
Raaga’s Song by Navina Chhabria. Raaga has always dreamed of singing at the annual Diwali mela at the Royal Place. Ever since she was a little girl, her grandfather would tell her the story of how Lord Rama and his army slew the ten-headed demon Ravana (the story for which Diwali is celebrated today)…When the day of the audition comes, Raaga takes to the stage in front of her family and friends. But the ten judges tower over her like Ravana and taunt her: “You are the color of a moonless night,” one says. “Can you really sing?” It will take all of Raaga’s courage and the support of her “army” to summon the strength of Lord Rama and prove them wrong.
Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar. Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor, and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it’s time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the New Year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.
