primary homework help hindu festivals

Why is Diwali celebrated?

The festival of lights is held in honour of Lakshmi (pictured right), the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi to bring them good luck in the coming year.

Who is Lakshmi?

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and good fortune..

In the evening, many people hold a small prayer (puja) in their homes. They honour Ganesh (pictured right), the god of wisdom and good luck, the one who removes all obstacles from life. They worship Lakshmi , the goddess of wealth and good fortune.

Lights are left burning all night, so that Lakshmi may feel welcomed and enter.

Diwali Story

Here is a brief outline of the story:

Prince Rama and his wife, Sita, are banished from their home in Ayodhya by their father the King. Rama's brother, Lakshmana, goes with them to live in a forest. They are banished for fourteen years.

After many happy years, Sita is kidnapped by the ten-headed demon Ravana. He takes Sita to his island of Lanka. With the help of the monkey warrior, Hanuman, Rama rescues his wife.

The people of Ayodhya light divas (oil lamps) in rows to guide Rama and Sita back from the forest to Ayodhya. On their return Rama is crowned king.

What does Diwali mean?

The word Diwali means " rows of lighted lamps "

Why is it called the Festival of Lights?

People light hundreds of small oil lamps (called diyas ) They place them around the home, in courtyards and in gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. This is to commemorate the part of the story that describes oil lamps being placed outside people’s homes to light the way for Rama and Sitas triumphant homecoming to Ayodhya.

The more lamps they light, the more likely it is that Lakshmi will be tempted to visit them. Hindus believe that the goddess brings wealth with her when she visits.

What happens during Diwali?

Gifts are exchanged - often sweets or candles. Homes are decorated and oil lamps are lit. Fireworks are another big part of the celebrations.

" On Diwali we get up early about 6:30am and put on our best clothes. I wear a sari , my daughters wear shalwar kameez (traditional dress) and my husband also dresses traditionally.

The first thing we do is say our prayers and make offerings of fruit and tradtional Indian sweets. Then we go to our parents house to bow down to them and receive their blessings.

Then we go to the temple. After the temple we visit our family and friends to wish them a 'happy Diwali'.

We decorate our homes in bright reds, greens and yellows, and we light as many candles as possible. Diwali is all about filling your home with light and letting go of the gloom and the darkness. " Sharmilia

Have a go creating your own Mendhi pattern (online activity)

Rangoli Patterns

Hindus hope the goddess lakshmi will see the beautiful patterns and visit their homes.

Examples of Rangoli patterns

Rangoli patterns

Rangloli colouring

©Copyright Mandy Barrow 2013

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I teach computers at The Granville School and St. John's Primary School in Sevenoaks Kent.

Home » Religion » Hindusim

Hinduism for kids

Hinduism for kids in Primary Learning. Homework help with what Hinduism is, how Hindus worship and what their holy festivals are.

What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, at least 5,000 years old. Hindus believe that your soul is a part of God and is eternal (lasts forever). When we die our soul enters another body. Hindus believe we can come back as a person or as a plant or animal. Depending on how good we are in this live decides what we come back as in the next. This is called reincarnation.

Beacause the soul is in all living things Hindus must show respect in all people and animals. Many Hindus don't eat meat because of this.

• Hindus often touch feet of our elders to show respect.
• Before eating food is offered to the Hindu God.

Follow Super Brainy Beans's board Hinduism on Pinterest.

Hindus worship every day at home. They have a place where they have pictures or figures of the Gods. Worshipping is done in the mornings and uses the five senses. Sight - looking at pictures, sound - singing songs, taste & touch - offering of food, smell - incense sticks are lit.

Hindus also go to worship in Temples. A bell is rung loudly to let know God that they are there. A red spot called the tilak is painted onto the forehead which is a sign of Gods blessing.

There are many Hindu Gods. Most families will choose which Gods to worship to. Here are some of them.

Lord Shiva - Destroys evil and protects us from pain and suffering. Krishna - A warrior and teacher. Shakti - Gentle, kind but sometimes fierce. Lakshmi - Goddess of good luck and wealth. Ganesh - The God of beginnings.

Diwali - The festival of lights

Diwali is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the homecoming of Rama and Sita from the forest. The lights are put out to show the Gods the way home. It also welcomes the Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of good luck and wealth, into Hindi homes.

At the beginning of Diwali, Hindus make rangoli patterns on their doorstep from rice powder, flour and water to welcome Lakshmi. Hindu's give money, fruit, sweets and rice to friends and family.

Holi - The festival of colours

Holi marks the beginning of spring and is from the story of the wicked Holika who tried to get rid of her nephew, Prince Prahlad.

Coloured powder are thrown over each other as part of the Holi festival. Water is also thrown over each other to remind Hindus of Krishna splashing in the river during spring.

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