Diwali for Kids: Folktales that make the festival magical

Diwali, the festival of lights, is right around the corner. This Hindu festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is observed with great joy and enthusiasm. From decorating homes with diyas to preparing lip-smacking sweets and savory treats, Diwali is marked with togetherness and warmth among Hindu communities. Also known as Deepawali, this Hindu festival falls on he 15th day of Kartik, which marks the darkest night of the year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This is the perfect occasion to introduce children to the rich stories and folktales that make Diwali magical. Nothing beats the joy of reading stories to your little ones. Here are three of the most popular tales that your little ones will love listening to.

The most popular legend linked to Diwali in the Hindu epic is in the Ramayana. Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. They were exiled by Rama’s father, King Dasharatha, and were destined to live in the forest. During this time, Sita was kidnapped by the powerful demon king Ravana, and Rama rescued her. As they return to Ayodhya, people welcome them with joy. They clean their houses and place oil lamps, from which the ritual of lighting lamps evolved. Diwali signifies the fight of good over evil, where Rama defeats Ravana, and rescues Sita.

In the Hindu epic of the Mahabharata, Diwali is linked to yet another story of exile. The Pandava brothers, who lose all their wealth in a deceitful game of dice against the cunning Kauravas, return home after years of hardship. The brothers and their wife Draupadi return to their kingdom on the dark moonless night of Kartika Amavasya. On this day, their loyal subjects clean their homes and light earthen lamps in joy and welcome them.

​Diwali is also linked to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. According to the tale, once god Indira's arrogance led Lakshmi to leave the divine realm and seek refuge in the milky ocean. But her absence made the world a dark place. The gods were determined to bring her back, and after churning the milk ocean for thousands of years, Goddess Lakshmi was reborn. People clean their homes and light the lamp to welcome her home.