³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Diwali is the Hindu festival of light. Diwali celebrates the idea that light is better than darkness, and the hope that good will happen. Diwali means ‘row of lights’, and Hindus remember the story of Rama and Sita who were exiled for 14 years. The festival happens in autumn and marks the beginning of a new year. Houses are cleaned, visitors are welcomed, artistic rangoli patterns created, decorations, lights and fireworks are used.

The clip emphasises some of the spiritual meanings suggested in the festivities. Here are 9 examples for the teacher to pick out with pupils.
1. This is our time to rejoice, so let’s light it up!
2. If you let God into your life then it is going to be lit up!
3. We are celebrating new beginnings!
4. We hope Lakhsmi, the goddess of wealth, will visit. We want her to bless us with good fortune for the year ahead.
5. It's fun. It’s an exciting time.
6. People keep their doors wide open to welcome Lakshmi, to say to the goddess ‘we love you loads, you could just step inside like it's your own home’.
7. I meet with my family and friends, and the Hindu community comes together
8. It’s time to express hopes for the new year: My hopes for the new year would be to be a better person, to get my grades, to share with others, to behave nicely, to take care of others, not only me, to keep my mood right.
9. You must have light in your life to see anything and to move anywhere.