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Hinduism is the third largest
religion in the world, and Diwali (pronounced Divali) also goes by
many other names, including Deepavali. It is one of the most important
and joyful Hindu celebrations. Popular stories of gods and goddesses
teach the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. Like most major
celebrations, the actual traditions vary from region to region, and
from household to household. But typically it’s a 3 or 5 day
celebration. Diwali literally means, “row of lights,” referring to the
traditional “Diyas,” small clay lamps filled with oil. It is a lunar
holiday, usually happening in October or November after the monsoon
season, when the weather turns pleasant again. It is a colorful,
joyful, spiritual, and history-rich celebration, and I encourage you
to spend some time visiting the websites listed below to learn more.
They are especially for children, and include “fun facts,” and simple
crafts and activities
You may also want to visit your local library and check out an easy
non-fiction book about Diwali, and show children where India is on a
map or globe. Holiday songs are such a great way to learn about the
world around us, and songs have a way of bringing us together in a way
that nothing else can.
As is my style, this holiday song is intended only to be a simple
introduction to a celebration my audience may not know about; and my
audience is young and school aged children and their families. To my
Hindu friends, I hope you enjoy this song, and encourage you to
download the instrumental version so you can make up and use lyrics
about your own family traditions.
Happy Diwali!
Here are links to information and
activity websites for teachers and parents:
Diwali Activity
Village
Autumn
Activities
Holiday Spot - Diwali Activities
Diwali
Suggested hand motions below:
For “Diwali,” hold hands together, then open fingers up
as if making a
small flame, or light)
All around the world
(hold index finger out and circle
in front of body)
Our Hindu friends
(put one hand over the other for
“friends)
Are getting ready
(open both hands out in front)
To celebrate Diwali the most
joyful
(open fingers, shoot
hands out from body)
time of year The Festival of
Lights
(open fingers of each hand
alternately, like fireworks)
and a new year brings Diwali
For family
(cross arms in
front)
and friends
(open
hand out)
the most joyful
(clap once)
time of year
(open hands out)
CHORUS:
 Five days long,
(wave five fingers back and
forth)
we will sing a joyful song
(touch hands to lips and
move hands out and up)
Five days long
(wave five fingers back and
forth)
light the Diyas join along
(clap hands and sway back
and forth)
On the first day clean the house
(hold up one finger)
and help to make the
decorations
(hand on hand,
and reverse, as if patting)
On the second day
(hold up two fingers)
put on your brand new
clothes
(sweep hands down
body)
and light the lights
(index fingers in front, swaying)
The third day
(hold up three
fingers)
brings the new moon,
(hold hand up in a “C” position for crescent)
and the biggest celebration
Let the fireworks and Diyas
(hands alternate flicking up and out for fireworks)
chase the demons all away
(“shoo” hands away from body)
(CHORUS)
On the fourth day
(hold up 4 fingers)
pass around the sweets
(Open hands sweep from left to right)
and such delicious food to
eat
(fingers together,
moving toward mouth in rhythm)
The fifth days brothers join
your sisters
(join hands
together)
all across the land
(open hands out)
(CHORUS)
Happy Diwali
(hands together in prayer position)
to you and your family
(hands open out, then hug body)
Happy Diwali
(hands together in prayer position)
to you and your family
(hands open out, then hug body)
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October
2011 Song of the Month