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Celebrating Diwali

Rahul helps his family light diyas, draw a rangoli at the doorstep, and perform Lakshmi puja on the night of Diwali.

Rahul, Anita, Vikram, Grandmother

Key words and phrases

Diwalithe Hindu festival of lightsDiwali is celebrated with lights, sweets, and prayers.
diyaa small oil lamp lit during DiwaliThey lit diyas around the entire house.
rangolia colourful pattern drawn on the floor with powder or flowersAnita drew a beautiful rangoli at the door.
Lakshmi pujaprayers offered to Goddess Lakshmi during DiwaliThe family gathered for the Lakshmi puja in the evening.
firecrackera small explosive device that makes noise or lightThey lit a few firecrackers outside.
sweets boxa box filled with festive sweets to share or giftThey prepared sweets boxes for their neighbours.
decorateto make something look attractive with ornaments or lightsThey decorated the house with lights and flowers.
prosperitythe state of being successful, often financiallyDiwali is celebrated to welcome prosperity into the home.
clay lampa lamp made of clay, another name for a diyaGrandmother prefers traditional clay lamps.
festive spiritthe joyful feeling associated with a celebrationThe whole neighbourhood was full of festive spirit.
torana decorative hanging of leaves or flowers placed above a doorwayThey hung a fresh mango leaf toran on the door.
sparklera thin stick that gives off bright sparks when litThe children waved sparklers in the courtyard.
lanterna decorative light, often hung outside during festivalsA red lantern glowed at the entrance.
puja thalia decorated plate used to hold items for worshipGrandmother arranged flowers and diyas on the puja thali.
incense sticka thin stick burned for its pleasant fragrant smokeThe smell of incense sticks filled the house.
new clothesfresh clothing bought or worn for a festive occasionEveryone wore new clothes on Diwali morning.
guesta person invited to visit or celebrateMany guests came home for the Diwali evening.
auspiciousconsidered to bring good luck or a favourable outcomeDiwali is seen as an auspicious day to start something new.
to cleanto make a place free from dirt before a celebrationThey cleaned the whole house before Diwali.
fireworks displaya public show of fireworks lit up in the skyThe whole colony gathered to watch the fireworks display.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

AnitaRahul, come help me light these diyas around the house.

RahulCan I draw the rangoli at the door too?

AnitaOf course, use these bright colours.

VikramIt's almost time for the Lakshmi puja, let's gather everyone.

GrandmotherThis diya was lit the same way when your father was your age.

RahulI love how the whole house looks so bright and festive!

VikramRahul, can you light the incense sticks near the puja thali?

RahulSure, Papa. Should I also hang the toran now?

AnitaYes, and wear your new clothes before the guests arrive.

GrandmotherThis is such an auspicious evening. I'm so happy to have everyone together.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is a "diya"?

2. A colourful pattern drawn on the floor is called a ___.

3. Complete: "Diwali is celebrated to welcome ___ into the home."

4. What is a decorative hanging of leaves placed above a doorway called?

5. What word describes a day considered to bring good luck?

6. What is burned for its pleasant fragrant smoke during puja?

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