Celebrating Diwali in Your Homeschool

On 21st October 2025, families across the world will celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This vibrant festival, rooted in Hindu traditions and also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, is a time of joy, light, and togetherness. For homeschooling families, Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to learn about culture, traditions, and values such as kindness, gratitude, and hope.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is a festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Many families light oil lamps called diyas, decorate their homes with colourful patterns (rangoli), exchange gifts, share sweets, and enjoy fireworks.

For children, Diwali is a chance to explore stories from different cultures, learn about traditions, and discover how communities celebrate across the globe.

Homeschool Activities for Diwali

✨ Storytime – Share the story of Rama and Sita, a classic tale often told at Diwali. Discuss its themes of bravery, loyalty, and good overcoming evil.

🎨 Rangoli Art – Create bright rangoli patterns using coloured chalk, paints, or natural materials like flower petals and rice.

🪔 Craft a Diya Lamp – Make simple clay or paper lamps and talk about what “light” can symbolise in our own lives.

🍬 Cook Together – Try making simple Diwali treats such as sweet ladoos or spiced biscuits. This can double as a maths lesson by measuring ingredients.

🌍 Cultural Exploration – Locate India on the map, and learn how Diwali is celebrated in different countries, including the UK.

📝 Reflection – Encourage children to write or draw about what “light” means to them—kindness, love, friendship, or hope.

Why Festivals Matter in Homeschooling

Celebrating festivals like Diwali helps children appreciate diversity, understand world cultures, and see the values that connect us all. It’s also a joyful way to bring colour, creativity, and storytelling into your homeschool day.

Shine a Little Light

This Diwali, light a candle, share a story, and celebrate the beauty of light and kindness in your family. Festivals like these remind us of the joy in togetherness, and the importance of finding light even in the darkest times.

Happy Diwali!