I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know so many of you at the library. A few years ago, I met two young readers who told me about their Diwali celebration at home. They were so animated in describing the lights, fireworks, decorations and food. It sounded like a wonderful celebration! I wanted to learn more, so I found several books about this festival of lights. A few interesting things I learned while reading and speaking with my two new friends:

  • Diwali is known as a Hindu festival, but people of many faiths celebrate Diwali around the world. 
  • Diwali is the celebration of light overcoming darkness and good defeating evil.
  • Rangoli art is traditionally displayed on the floor or a tabletop and represents happiness and positivity. In Hinduism, Rangoli invites Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck, into a family’s home.

Children’s Services is getting ready to celebrate Diwali with two special programs. On Tuesday, November 2, tweens can make their own Diwali card. And on Wednesday, November 3, families can make their own version of Rangoli art using colored sand.

Read more about Diwali from the books below. Check them out and share them with your family and friends! Shubh Diwali!

Illustration of a young girl holding a lit diya, with colorful lights above her and the text "Binny's Diwali" on the book cover.

Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

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Book cover of "Shubh Diwali!" showing two children holding lamps, surrounded by marigold garlands, fireworks, and colorful decorations in the night sky.

Shubh Diwali by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Charlene Chua

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Book cover for "Let's Celebrate Diwali" featuring a joyful child with arms raised, colorful fireworks, and large, bold title text in red, green, and yellow.

Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Tim Palin

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Three cartoon monkeys stand together, one holding a blue gift box. The book cover reads "The Diwali Gift" and features festive decorations and a silver award medal.

The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra & Shuchi Mehta, illustrated by Anna Koan

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Two young children in traditional Indian attire smile and pose in front of a bokeh background with the word “Diwali” and “Festivals Around the World” displayed in the corner.

Diwali by Grace Jones

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A woman and a child light oil lamps together; the book cover reads "Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story" by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger.

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story by Jonny Zucker, illustrated by Jan Barger

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Book cover titled "Crayola Diwali Colors" featuring colorful flowers, rangoli design, hands with mehndi, and zigzag patterns. Crayola and Lerner logos are visible.

Crayola Diwali Colors by Mari Schuh

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Book cover for "Celebrate Diwali" showing silhouettes of people watching large fireworks in a street at night, published by National Geographic.

Celebrate Diwali by Deborah Heiligman

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A festive book cover with four decorative oil lamps arranged on a star shape, featuring the title "Diwali" and the phrase "Celebrating Holidays.

Diwali by Rachel Koestler-Grack

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