1. Deepavali (Diwali) A Festival of Lights

2. What is Diwali? Diwali is a special Hindu (Indian) festival
It is special because Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year
It is called the festival of lights and the victory of light over darkness
My Dad is Hindu and my Mom is Catholic so I get to celebrate both Hindu and Christian holidays!

3. When Do We Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated in the fall between late October and early November.
It is usually very close to Halloween and my Grandma and Grandpa begin the planning in September.
We celebrate this tradition as a family on the Saturday closest to Diwali so everyone can join in the fun!

4. How Do We Celebrate Diwali?
We turn ALL the lights on in our house on Diwali
We light tiny oil lamps and put them outside and around the house
Everyone gets to wear new and colorful clothes
My Grandma has everyone over for yummy food, a short prayer, gifts and we eat lots of Indian sweets.
My cousins and I go outside and have a great time with fireworks and it is my favorite part!

5. You see Lamps, Lights and Fireworks all over cities in India
You see Lamps, Lights and Fireworks all over cities in India. When you greet someone you say....