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Diwali in India and the UK
I can explain what Diwali is and how Hindu communities celebrate it in different ways.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Diwali in India and the UK
I can explain what Diwali is and how Hindu communities celebrate it in different ways.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Diwali is a five day celebration observed by millions of Hindus in India and worldwide.
- The story of Lakshmi is told by some Hindus at Diwali as well as the Ramayana.
- Different Hindus may celebrate and remember different events during Diwali. This shows diversity.
- Many Hindus will use lights and create rangoli patterns to ask for blessings for the year ahead.
- Diwali will look and feel different in a Hindu majority country like India compared to the UK.
Keywords
Majority - the larger group of people or things
Minority - the smaller group of people or things
Diversity - doing things in a variety of ways
Lakshmi - the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune
Common misconception
Diwali is celebrated in the same way everywhere in the world.
Diwali is celebrated by most Hindus. However, its celebration will vary according to geographical and cultural context.
You might want to look at video clips online and other sources to show how Diwali is celebrated. Look for other images from India to show how the whole country joins in. You might mention that Sikhs also mark Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas. Look for images of Diwali celebrations in Leicester.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Lakshman followed his dharma by choosing to help his , Rama.
Lakshman followed his dharma by choosing to help his , Rama.
Q2.What is the Ramayana?
What is the Ramayana?
traditional recipes
a history book
Q3.What does the word dharma mean?
What does the word dharma mean?
being the fastest runner
having a big family
Q4.Why did Rama go into the forest?
Why did Rama go into the forest?
He was tired of the palace.
He wanted to go camping.
Q5.What did Ravana’s 10 heads show about him?
What did Ravana’s 10 heads show about him?
He was very tall.
He had lots of hats.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Diwali is a celebration that lasts for days.
Diwali is a celebration that lasts for days.
Q2.Which story might some Hindus remember during Diwali?
Which story might some Hindus remember during Diwali?
a birthday party
a trip to the zoo
Q3.What is Lakshmi the goddess of?
What is Lakshmi the goddess of?
plants and animals
clouds and rain
Q4.What do Hindus make on the floor during Diwali?
What do Hindus make on the floor during Diwali?
birthday cards
snowmen
Q5.Why is Diwali a bigger celebration in India than the UK?
Why is Diwali a bigger celebration in India than the UK?
India has more schools.
The UK has more snow.
