About Diwali and Bandi Chhor (Level A) – Text, Images and Comprehension Every year, in either Ashwin or Kartika (which are Indian months around the same time as October and November) the Indian continent explodes with festivities. The Sikh, Hindu and Jain religions celebrate festivals of light. The Hindu and Jain celebrations are called Diwali. The Sikh festival is that of Bandi Chhor. Both festivals are joyful times when families get together. Traditional ‘diya’ oil lamps. Light is very important during the festivals. Light is seen as good, as it removes darkness and represents knowledge. Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’, so the celebration is known as the Festival of Lights. It lasts for five days. People light small oil lamps, called diyas. These are placed around their homes. Hindus often enjoy firework displays to celebrate the festival. Homes are lit up at Diwali. In most parts of India, Diwali comes at the end of harvest time. Hindus give thanks to the goddess, Lakshmi, for a good harvest. People often leave their doors and windows open, and light up the path, to invite the goddess in. People hope that she will bless the year ahead for them. Hindus give thanks to the goddess Lakshmi. Jains give praise to one of their important leaders, Mahavira. There are many stories about Diwali. Most of the stories tell of goodness winning over evil. A popular Hindu story tells us how Rama rescues his queen, Sita, from a demon. In the story, people light lamps to celebrate when Rama returns home to become king. This explains why people light up their homes and temples at Diwali. Rama and Sita is a popular Diwali story. About Diwali and Bandi Chhor (Level A) – Text, Images and Comprehension Diwali celebrates a new year for Hindus and the renewal of life. People clean their houses and wear new clothes. During Diwali, both Hindus and Jains give presents and sweets to each other. They also have special meals or feasts with their family and friends. At Diwali, people make sure their homes are really clean. At Diwali, women create Rangoli patterns on the ground outside doors and gateways. The patterns are made from coloured shapes – using rice, sand, flour or petals. The patterns are thought to bring good luck and to attract the goddess Lakshmi. Rangoli patterns are popular at Diwali. Every year, at the same time as Diwali, Sikhs celebrate the festival of Bandi Chhor. They remember the release of Guru Har Gobind, the sixth Guru, from imprisonment. The Sixth Sikh Guru, Har Gobind. Light is an important part of the Sikh festival. When the Guru left prison, people lit thousands of lamps to welcome him back. Ever since then, temples and homes are brightly lit up with many lanterns to continue this tradition. About Diwali and Bandi Chhor (Level A) – Text, Images and Comprehension Use these questions as a multiple choice or delete the choices for sentence answers. 1 Who is Diwali is celebrated by? Hindus and Sikhs. Hindus and Jains. Sikhs and Jains. 2 What does the word ‘Diwali’ mean? To give thanks. Rows of lighted lamps. A Hindu god. 3 How do Hindus encourage the goddess Lakshmi to visit their homes? They sing throughout the night. They leave gold coins on the table. They light up the path and open their doors and windows. 4 In the Hindu story… Rama rescues his wife, Sita, from a demon. Rama sends his wife, Sita, away. Rama travels around India. 5 Diwali is the start of... Harvest in India Sikh New Year Hindu New Year 6 Who traditionally creates Rangoli patterns? Women and girls Men and boys Children 7 What does Bandi Chhor Divas mean? Day of the Sikhs Prisoner Release Day Emperor’s Day About Diwali and Bandi Chhor (Level A) – Text, Images and Comprehension ANSWER SHEET 1 Who is Diwali is celebrated by? Hindus and Jains 2 What does the word ‘Diwali’ mean? Rows of lighted lamps 3 How do Hindus encourage the goddess Lakshmi to visit their homes? They light up the path and leave their doors and windows open. 4 In the Hindu story… Rama rescues his wife, Sita, from a demon. 5 Diwali is the start of... Hindu New Year 6 Who traditionally creates Rangoli patterns? Women and girls 7 What does Bandi Chhor Divas mean? Prisoner Release Day