Hindu Festival of Lights (Diwali)

November 5-10, Hindu families will celebrate the festival of Diwali (duh-wah-lee). Diwali is the Hindu New Year and is also called the Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Across India, children observe this five-day festival with new clothes, jewelry, special foods, gift exchanges, and sweets. In some parts of India, Hindus celebrate Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana, a demon king. In other parts of India, activities focus on evoking the blessing of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.

On the first day, families indicate the arrival of the Hindu goddess by placing small footprints drawn from rice flour or powder around their homes. Throughout the week, families attend Hindu temples, singing songs of devotion to the goddess, and leaving her offerings of sweets. In the evenings, they place small oil lamps, candles, or neon lights around their home and in courtyards. These lights represent the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, the renewal of life, and hope that the goddess of wealth and prosperity will bless them.

You can stand for Hindu kids during this festival season.

1. First get God’s perspective by reading Proverbs 1:7 and John 1:9, John 8:12.
2. Next ponder the following: What do Hindus need to know about the source of true knowledge? What is the most important light that people need?
3. Now pray that Hindu families of will come to know the true light of the world, Jesus, the one who can change their hearts and lives.

For more information about Hindu beliefs, click here and scroll down to the section on Hindus.