Diwali story telling for Kids

Diwali is a festival of sheer Joy, devotion, fervour and indeed of dazzling lights. With all the alluring activities happening in the surroundings, it creates ample curiosities in the minds of our lil munchkins. And why not, festivals are the time when we can get our budding brains acquainted with the history, rich culture we have, in a fun and really impressive manner. Celebrating Eco Friendly Diwali is a charm in itself.

This festival, get your kids to know the significance of Diwali, what does the 5 days of Diwali means, as a festival and as a tradition. Definitely, this need not be a boring essay or a lecture to them. Bundle it up with interesting activities with kids and then narrate it in the form of a story. I’am personally following the same approach with my 3yo son and I bet, he has immense short stories of demons, Gods and the fights from Ramayana to narrate to you. He has started loving these stories and has been immersing into the morals of them.

We’re soon coming up with some fun Diwali activities to do with kids of all ages. From 2year toddler to a teen, they all will love these activities for sure. Subscribe to our Blog with your Email, and get the post right in your mail box early next week:)

Coming onto the Diwali Story, personally, I love mythological characters and so do kids. Here I’m sharing some Mythological stories, they being the reasons, as to why we Celebrate Diwali.

1. The Return of Lord Rama, after the exile of 14 long years :

Mostly in Northern & Central India, this is the reason of people celebrating Diwali.  Rama was the son of King of Ayodhya [Raja Dashratha] and he was married to Sita [Daughter of King Janak]. When King Dashratha decided Rama to be crowned as a King, his enraged step mother hatched a plan and got him exiled from the town for 14 long years. The faithful prince obeyed his step mother’s wishes and ventured into the Jungle with his wife Sita and brother Laxman. As fate would have it, Ravana, the King of Lanka, kidnapped and took away Sita from the Jungle to Lanka [Sri Lanka, as you all know]. Then Rama, with the help of Lords Hanuman and Sugreev got into a war with Ravana, in which he was killed and Rama got back Sita. As the expulsion was getting ended, it was on the day of Diwali, a no-moon day that Rama with Sita and Laxman, returned back to Ayodhya.

Hence to welcome them back home, thousands of diya’s and lights were lit throughout the city and there was a wave of merriment all around.

With numerous fascinating characters and short stories, Ramayana is a very captivating Mythological story. I personally love Ramayana and have been recently introducing my child to it via various activities which are being listed in the upcoming post.

Here is one such scene of enactment from Ramayana, my son tends to be Lord Hanuman [as a Monkey]

2. Story of Narasimha who killed King Hiranyakashipu :

This story is mainly celebrated in South India, but is equally fascinating. Narasimha was the Man-Lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came to save the earth from the evil King Hiranyakashipu.

The King had got a boon from the Brahma due to his rigorous penance to please Bhrama. He was granted the boon that he could not be killed by any man or animal, neither in the day nor in the night, neither inside nor outside. With this boon, he treated himself as God and unleashed the terror. But when Hiranyakashipu’s atrocities rose and it gave rise to torment, Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself as Narasimha, half Man and Half Lion. Thus he was no longer a man nor an animal. He killed Hiranyakashipu with his claws just before the day break, i.e, when it was neither night nor day. It was a win of happiness over the evil spirited King. Many temples in the South India, have this story carved on their pillars.

3. Narakasur’s killing :

In Andhra [south-east India], Narakasur’s (powerful demon)killing by his wife Satyabhama (who was a reincarnation of Narakasur’s mother) is also famous.

Though the stories might be different, the essence of all is the same, i.e Victory of

Truth over Lies,

Good over Evil,

Modesty over Arrogance,

Humility over Egoism,

Care over selfishness,

Kindness over harshness

And this is what we need to inculcate in our children with these stories. They ought to be the seeds with these qualities, so that the growing world blooms into the trees full of Kindness, love and gratitude.

4. Worshipping Of the Cattle :

Another tradition that is followed in some villages is of worshipping cattle by the farmers. This is the time after the monsoon, when the farms are fully flourished and cattle’s have ample food to eat. According to this tradition, farmers worship their cattle, since for them they are the real wealth and are considered equivalent to Gods. In south villages, Cows are worshipped as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)

5. Non-Hindu communities celebrate it :

In Jainism, it signifies the nirvana (spiritual awakening) of 24th Teerthankar, Lord Mahavira.

In Sikhism it signifies the day when Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment.

The essence is the celebration with lights for something really good that has happened over the centuries to save masses and help people believe in the righteous ways.

The celebration of Diwali goes for 5 long days by lightening the diya’s, sharing sweets, spreading love and affection all around.

Here lies the crisp importance of 5 Days of Diwali:

1. Dhanteras :

This 1st day signifies worshipping wealth. It is said that on this day, Goddess Laxmi came out of the Milk Ocean during the Ocean churning, hence related to wealth. Traditionally, people purchase something as in Gold, Silver, Car, Home, anything small or big, they desire of. This day is considered auspicious for buying something precious. Houses are decorated with Diya’s (earthen lamps) and people go shopping this day.

2. Choti Diwali / Roop Chaturdashi :

It is said that on this said Demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. Men and women wake up early and apply aromatic oils before taking a bath. This tends to make them pure and full of energy. Earthen lamps are lit and Puja is performed with Sandalwood, Flowers. This day symbolizes overcoming laziness of lives and brightening it up.

3. Lakshmi Puja :

This third day, is the main day of Diwali, when families get together for an elaborated and beautiful Diwali Puja. Goddess Laxmi is associated with wealth and is said that she enters homes and bless people with good fortunes this day. People wear beautiful traditional clothes, and every passage, every portion is lit with lights and Diya’s. Rangoli’s are a charm to decorate floors. Post Pooja, the festivities start and people meet and greet one another. They exchange gifts and relish the delicacies prepared to share their happiness.

4. Goverdhan Pooja :

This is the 4th day and it is named so, since Lord Krishna lifted huge Govardhan Mountain (Govardhan Parbat) to save people of Vrindavan from the debacle of Lord Indra (Rain). Kids and mothers can be seen making a small hillock, signifying the mountain and worshiping it to ensure that the family and world remains safe from any devastations.

5. Bhai Dooj :

The last and 5th day is for Brothers and Sisters. Its origin is traced from the Narkasura story and is said that on this day Lord Krishna visited his sister’s place after killing Narkasura. She rejoiced his victory and applied Tilak and welcomed him with sweets and flowers. So, Sisters invite brothers to their home for delicious meals and perform Tilak and Aarti. They pray for all goodies, happiness, along with a long life of their brother. 

Isn’t it a beautiful festival, full of positiveness?

Among this enthusiasm, lots of crackers are bursted on this festival of happiness but we, at mommyinme and familyonthewheels request you all to go Eco friendly this Diwali. Read 5 super fun tips for celebrating Eco Friendly Diwali. Forget Crackers, celebrate the spirit in its traditional sense and spread love and Joy!

Wishing all our readers, a very Joyous Diwali!