Diwali Story for Kids – Significance of Diwali

Diwali story telling for Kids

Diwali Stories for kids, This Diwali let kids get aware of the story behind the celebration of DIwali, the meaning and significance of 5 days of Diwali in a Simple and story telling way

Diwali is a festival of sheer Joy, devotion, fervour and indeed of dazzling lights. With all the alluring activities happening in the surroundings, it creates ample curiosities in the minds of our lil munchkins. And why not, festivals are the time when we can get our budding brains acquainted with the history, rich culture we have, in a fun and really impressive manner. Celebrating Eco Friendly Diwali is a charm in itself.

This festival, get your kids to know the significance of Diwali, what does the 5 days of Diwali means, as a festival and as a tradition. Definitely, this need not be a boring essay or a lecture to them. Bundle it up with interesting activities with kids and then narrate it in the form of a story. I’am personally following the same approach with my 3yo son and I bet, he has immense short stories of demons, Gods and the fights from Ramayana to narrate to you. He has started loving these stories and has been immersing into the morals of them.

We’re soon coming up with some fun Diwali activities to do with kids of all ages. From 2year toddler to a teen, they all will love these activities for sure. Subscribe to our Blog with your Email, and get the post right in your mail box early next week:)

Coming onto the Diwali Story, personally, I love mythological characters and so do kids. Here I’m sharing some Mythological stories, they being the reasons, as to why we Celebrate Diwali.

1. The Return of Lord Rama, after the exile of 14 long years :

Ramayana Story for Kids
Image :: Source

Mostly in Northern & Central India, this is the reason of people celebrating Diwali.  Rama was the son of King of Ayodhya [Raja Dashratha] and he was married to Sita [Daughter of King Janak]. When King Dashratha decided Rama to be crowned as a King, his enraged step mother hatched a plan and got him exiled from the town for 14 long years. The faithful prince obeyed his step mother’s wishes and ventured into the Jungle with his wife Sita and brother Laxman. As fate would have it, Ravana, the King of Lanka, kidnapped and took away Sita from the Jungle to Lanka [Sri Lanka, as you all know]. Then Rama, with the help of Lords Hanuman and Sugreev got into a war with Ravana, in which he was killed and Rama got back Sita. As the expulsion was getting ended, it was on the day of Diwali, a no-moon day that Rama with Sita and Laxman, returned back to Ayodhya.

Hence to welcome them back home, thousands of diya’s and lights were lit throughout the city and there was a wave of merriment all around.

With numerous fascinating characters and short stories, Ramayana is a very captivating Mythological story. I personally love Ramayana and have been recently introducing my child to it via various activities which are being listed in the upcoming post.

Here is one such scene of enactment from Ramayana, my son tends to be Lord Hanuman [as a Monkey]

Lord Hanuman - Diwali story for kids

2. Story of Narasimha who killed King Hiranyakashipu :

Stories of Diwali for Kids
Image :: Source

This story is mainly celebrated in South India, but is equally fascinating. Narasimha was the Man-Lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came to save the earth from the evil King Hiranyakashipu.

The King had got a boon from the Brahma due to his rigorous penance to please Bhrama. He was granted the boon that he could not be killed by any man or animal, neither in the day nor in the night, neither inside nor outside. With this boon, he treated himself as God and unleashed the terror. But when Hiranyakashipu’s atrocities rose and it gave rise to torment, Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself as Narasimha, half Man and Half Lion. Thus he was no longer a man nor an animal. He killed Hiranyakashipu with his claws just before the day break, i.e, when it was neither night nor day. It was a win of happiness over the evil spirited King. Many temples in the South India, have this story carved on their pillars.

3. Narakasur’s killing :

In Andhra [south-east India], Narakasur’s (powerful demon)killing by his wife Satyabhama (who was a reincarnation of Narakasur’s mother) is also famous.

Though the stories might be different, the essence of all is the same, i.e Victory of

Truth over Lies,

Good over Evil,

Modesty over Arrogance,

Humility over Egoism,

Care over selfishness,

Kindness over harshness

And this is what we need to inculcate in our children with these stories. They ought to be the seeds with these qualities, so that the growing world blooms into the trees full of Kindness, love and gratitude.

4. Worshipping Of the Cattle :

Another tradition that is followed in some villages is of worshipping cattle by the farmers. This is the time after the monsoon, when the farms are fully flourished and cattle’s have ample food to eat. According to this tradition, farmers worship their cattle, since for them they are the real wealth and are considered equivalent to Gods. In south villages, Cows are worshipped as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)

5. Non-Hindu communities celebrate it :

In Jainism, it signifies the nirvana (spiritual awakening) of 24th Teerthankar, Lord Mahavira.

In Sikhism it signifies the day when Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment.

The essence is the celebration with lights for something really good that has happened over the centuries to save masses and help people believe in the righteous ways.

The celebration of Diwali goes for 5 long days by lightening the diya’s, sharing sweets, spreading love and affection all around.

Here lies the crisp importance of 5 Days of Diwali:

1. Dhanteras :

This 1st day signifies worshipping wealth. It is said that on this day, Goddess Laxmi came out of the Milk Ocean during the Ocean churning, hence related to wealth. Traditionally, people purchase something as in Gold, Silver, Car, Home, anything small or big, they desire of. This day is considered auspicious for buying something precious. Houses are decorated with Diya’s (earthen lamps) and people go shopping this day.

2. Choti Diwali / Roop Chaturdashi :

It is said that on this said Demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. Men and women wake up early and apply aromatic oils before taking a bath. This tends to make them pure and full of energy. Earthen lamps are lit and Puja is performed with Sandalwood, Flowers. This day symbolizes overcoming laziness of lives and brightening it up.

3. Lakshmi Puja :

This third day, is the main day of Diwali, when families get together for an elaborated and beautiful Diwali Puja. Goddess Laxmi is associated with wealth and is said that she enters homes and bless people with good fortunes this day. People wear beautiful traditional clothes, and every passage, every portion is lit with lights and Diya’s. Rangoli’s are a charm to decorate floors. Post Pooja, the festivities start and people meet and greet one another. They exchange gifts and relish the delicacies prepared to share their happiness.

4. Goverdhan Pooja :

This is the 4th day and it is named so, since Lord Krishna lifted huge Govardhan Mountain (Govardhan Parbat) to save people of Vrindavan from the debacle of Lord Indra (Rain). Kids and mothers can be seen making a small hillock, signifying the mountain and worshiping it to ensure that the family and world remains safe from any devastations.

5. Bhai Dooj :

The last and 5th day is for Brothers and Sisters. Its origin is traced from the Narkasura story and is said that on this day Lord Krishna visited his sister’s place after killing Narkasura. She rejoiced his victory and applied Tilak and welcomed him with sweets and flowers. So, Sisters invite brothers to their home for delicious meals and perform Tilak and Aarti. They pray for all goodies, happiness, along with a long life of their brother. 

Isn’t it a beautiful festival, full of positiveness?

Among this enthusiasm, lots of crackers are bursted on this festival of happiness but we, at mommyinme and familyonthewheels request you all to go Eco friendly this Diwali. Read 5 super fun tips for celebrating Eco Friendly Diwali. Forget Crackers, celebrate the spirit in its traditional sense and spread love and Joy!

Wishing all our readers, a very Joyous Diwali!

Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 47 Comments

  1. David Elliott

    It does sound like such a fun festival. I love all of the various different things that you have going on here. And it’s cool that it celebrates so many important things.

  2. Judy

    I just needed this. My son has his diwali programme on 16th and it will easy for me to narrate and tell about Diwali.

  3. Prakash

    Even our great mythology has 300 versions written during different periods. Even valmiki the Saint who wrote ramyanam started with rama later you can find in the end valmiki had started taking sides of sita.so different versions of ramyana propagates different messages. But certainly it was hailed Rama as marayadha puroshothaman and rightous king.In certain versions of ramayana sita was considered as daughter of ravana.

  4. Hitasha

    This is so informative! Great work Jhilmil?

  5. bestiesnotepad

    That’s a great read, specially when it comes to explaining the significance of this beautiful festival to kids..thanks for sharing!

  6. henajose

    It’s good to read such beautifully written post to kids to make them aware of Diwali celebration

  7. Aditinona

    beautifully written… sometimes we forget to tell our children the basics.. thanks for sharing this wonderful post

  8. hdpreeti

    I just loved seeing the little Hanuman , so cute !

  9. snehalboricha

    I remember mum telling me some of these stories. Was so such fun as a kid! ?

  10. Nabeha

    It’s so awesome. Thanks for sharing this valuable information

  11. myteenytot

    Superb article ! We need to tell the importance of Indian Festivals to our kids.
    Waiting for some interesting Activities ?

  12. worldofmakeupmagique

    Festivals keep all of use rooted and these stories are full of moral values ?lovely post

  13. divahustle

    Sounds so fun! So much culture and history! Thank you for sharing

  14. nishikch

    Heya thats so brief description of diwali ….u hv Included every why , when n what answers related to diwali that enroot in mind…

  15. Minakshi Bajpai

    Loved reading your detailed post about festival of diwali. So much great information for the kids. Will share with my daughter. Thanks for sharing

  16. Nisha Malik

    I think your article i quite useful to kids who are yet to explore our great culture and heritage. Great piece of information.

  17. Tripti Charan

    Wow! Great way of sharing with kids the significance of Diwali. Thanks for sharing with us as well 🙂

  18. Mrinal Kiran

    Wow.. didn’t know many of these stories are associated with diwali! ? Thanks for sharing

  19. Lovely post on diwali. I am definitely going to follow your tips to share festuval stories with kids.

  20. Isabelle Weber

    I learnt so much from this! Very informative.

  21. Papri Ganguly

    wow! Story of victory and resposibility. Love the way you write the significance of Diwali.

  22. Sreekar Harinatha

    I could not have come across this at a better time. Was thinking how I’d explain Diwali to my three year old!

  23. Amalia

    I know this is for kids but I did learn something myself from it, absolutely love to learn about someone else culture and traditions!

  24. Laura Dove

    Oh I love this! What a great way of telling the story to children, so interesting for us adults too to put it into simplistic terms.

  25. Snigdha

    kids should know about our mythology… This is great.. I will share this with my son, hope he will love to listen…

  26. Ana De-Jesus

    Although I am not religious, I do find celebrations like Diwali fascinating and I do agree that it is important to get the children involved. The story of ‘The Return of Lord Rama’, after his exile of 14 long years is one that I am sure would fascinate kids.

  27. Violinkit

    Wow, this seems like an exciting and colourful festival and one that would be very engaging for children.. I have never heard of Diwali festival before so it was great to learn new facts.

  28. annaszoke

    I used to live in Dubai, surrounded by Indian colleagues, then I lived in the Netherlands and worked in an International School for mostly Indian kids, yet I didn’t know what Diwali was really about. I feel so ashamed. I’m so happy that I came through your article and get a much better understanding of this wonderful event.

  29. Alison H

    Such an informative read on Diwali! I love learning about other cultures and sharing that knowledge with my son

  30. jmsterb

    I always love seeing people celebrate Diwali. It’s such a pretty celebration with so many lights! It’s coolto finally learn the story behind it.

  31. Mike

    So interesting, I love learning about other cultures and this post really helped me get a better understanding of Diwali. Great post!

  32. amiroseblog

    I’m not sure about kids. I learned a lot from reading this! It really helped be understand Diwali. It looks like such a beautiful celebration.

    Ami xxx

    1. Jhilmil

      It indeed is, a festival which brings smile on the faces of every one:). Thanks

  33. Twinkle

    Such an informative post, a great read. Wish you and your family a very “Happy Diwali.”

  34. stephaniesherlock

    Your son is so adorable. What a great way to get familiar and experience another culture and tradition. These fables reminded me of Hans Christian Anderson and the fairy tales that I grew up reading. Most of these fables were terrifying but the stories behind them were endearing.

  35. Aradhana

    Your son is looking very cute . I miss ghar wali Diwali here? Your blog is a complete package for explaining what diwali is.

  36. travelfoodiemom

    What amazing information! I definitely learned a lot! Thank you so much for sharing!

  37. alisonrost

    Aren’t children’s books the best? Now that I’m a grandma, I’m reading so many of them agin with fresh eyes. You’re so right, at the root of every story are the classic lessons of good vs evil, or the fine art of practicing kindness. x

  38. Your son is adorable in that outfit and looks like he’s ready to celebrate! I think you’ve done a nice job here letting others know how they can really celebrate Diwali through this story as well 🙂

  39. Mayuri Saxena

    Wish you a very Happy Diwali! First of all, I must say that your son looks adorable in the outfit. Sometimes I miss being in Delhi as my Daughter cannot experience the magic of Ram-leela and the feel of Diwali. It is so important to tell kids the importance of festivals and moral lessons through stories…love it!

  40. Via Bella

    I didn’t know a whole lot about Diwali before and especially with family in Indonesia now I am so glad I am learning more about it as Indonesia is fully of different faiths and beliefs now. Happy Diwali!

  41. kalliamanika

    Happy Diwali, sweetie! I am learning so much about your culture and everything is fascinating! Your son as Lord Hanuman- as a Monkey is adorable!!! It really sounds like a very happy festival all around!

  42. SHIVAM TRIPATHI

    It’s really amazing feeling when learning these things.Learn a new thing is always intresting but these are much intresting even it is for kids I learned much more from this post.

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