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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can retell the story of Holi and recognise some deeper meanings.

      Key learning points

      1. The Hindu religion originates in India. It is often called Hindu Dharma.
      2. Hindus remember stories of many deities.
      3. Holi is a Hindu spring festival.
      4. It is named after Princess Holika who planned to kill her nephew but ended up dying in a fire.

      Keywords

      • Hindu Dharma - a way of life that cares for humans and all living things

      • Holi - a Hindu spring festival

      • Deity - the divine or God taking a particular form

      • Vishnu - the divine or God in the form of the protector of the universe

      Common misconception

      Festivals remember happy occasions.

      Some remember good overcoming evil.

      Teacher tip

      Children could use paint in all sorts of creative ways to record their words and feelings about Holi. Splatter pictures in spring colours would give an idea of the energy and fun of Holi celebrations.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      The festival of Tu B’Shevat is a celebration of as part of creation.

      Correct Answer: trees, Trees

      Q2.
      At Tu B’Shevat, Jews eat many different kinds of during a special seder meal.

      Correct Answer: fruit, Fruit

      Q3.
      What does the festival of Tu B’Shevat celebrate?

      the creation of the world
      Correct answer: the gift of trees
      the harvest

      Q4.
      What story helps Jews remember to care for the environment?

      Correct answer: the story of Honi and the tree
      the story of Moses and the burning bush
      the story of Noah’s Ark

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Holi is named after a who planned to harm her nephew but was burned in a fire.

      Correct Answer: princess, Princess

      Q2.
      What is another name for the Hindu religion?

      Buddhism
      Jainism
      Correct answer: Hindu Dharma

      Q3.
      Who saved Prahlad from danger?

      Correct answer: Vishnu
      Holika
      Krishna

      Q4.
      What do Hindus throw during Holi?

      water balloons
      Correct answer: coloured powder
      flowers

      Q5.
      Some festivals remember the victory of good over ...

      Correct Answer: evil, Evil

      To help you plan your 2 religious education lesson on: The story of Holi, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...