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