Divali

Divali is a very important festival for Hindus. It is usually celebrated at the end of October or early November. The word Divali means lights. In the past clay lamps called divas were used. Today most Hindus in Britain will use electric lights or candles. Divali is celebrated over five days. The lights symbolise good defeating evil. Rama and Sita At Divali Hindus remember the story of Rama and Sita. They remember how Rama (good) defeated Ravana (evil). They remember how the people lit divas to welcome Rama back to the kingdom of Ayodaha. Lakshmi At Divali Hindus also remember and worship the goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and good fortune. Hindus light divas and draw Rangoli patterns to welcome and guide Lakshmi into their homes. Rangoli pattern will be made with coloured rice powder or chalk. Businessmen will update their account books and pay their debts. It is believed Lakshmi will bless them and help their buisness to do well in the coming year. Some Hindus will also give 10% of their earnings to charity. This money will help poor families enjoy Divali. Families At Divali Hindus will spend a lot time celebrating with their families. They prepare for Divali by cleaning their homes from top to bottom and buy new pots and pans. Women will cook special foods. People will send cards and give presents to friends and relatives. Families will attend firework displays and bonfires. Some children will dress up as Rama and Sita and may perform plays. Many Hindus will go to the mandir to worship and offer food to the gods and goddesses. Some Hindus will try their luck at gambling; if they win they will do well in the coming year. Many Hindus will dance and sing.

Divali
Aims: To know how Divali is celebrated by Hindus. To think about how Hindus feel at Divali.

YOU MAY DO TASK A OR B

Task A
Imagine that you have been invited to a Hindu home to celebrate Divali. Write a letter, which describes and explains what the Hindu family will do during the celebrations. In your letter you must try to cover the following areas: October/ November Divas Rama and Sita Good and Evil Lakshmi Rangoli Patterns Cleaning Gambling Cards/ Presents Account books/Pay Debt Fireworks/Bonfire Displays Feelings Perform Plays 10% of wealth

Task B
Imagine that you have been invited to a Hindu home to celebrate Divali. Write a letter, which describes and explains what the Hindu family will do during the celebrations. In your letter you must try to cover the following areas: When is Divali celebrated? What does the word Divali mean? What are divas? Which important Hindu story will Hindus remember at Divali? Who is Lakshmi and why will Hindus worship her at Divali? What are Rangoli patterns? How will Hindus help poor families at Divali? How will Hindus feel at Divali? Explain how celebrating Divali makes a difference to the lives of Hindus.

1. How will Hindus feel at Divali? 2. Explain how celebrating Divali makes a difference to the lives of Hindus.

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