Diwali: Festival of Lights

by Rina Singh

Overview

During Diwali, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the legends and stories that describe the triumph of good over evil and justice over oppression.

Critically acclaimed author Rina Singh explores her Indian roots as she tells the Diwali stories, which remind us that eventually, light will prevail over darkness. Enriched by personal stories and spiced with festive recipes, including two by acclaimed chef, Vikram Vij, Diwali: Festival of Lights brings to life the holiday’s traditions, food and rituals and takes you on a journey to see how this festival is celebrated around the world!

Diwali is the second book in the Orca Origins series, which examines how ancient traditions are kept alive in the modern world.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459841871
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	08/13/2024
Series:	Orca Origins Series , #2
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Rina Singh is an award-winning children's author who is drawn to real-life stories about the environment and social justice. Her critically acclaimed books include Grandmother School, winner of the 2021 Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize; Diwali: A Festival of Lights, nominated for the Red Cedar Award; and 111 Trees, winner of the Social Justice Literature Award. Rina has an MFA in creative writing from Concordia University and a teaching degree from McGill University. She lives in Toronto.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: What Is Diwali?

• The Hindu Legends of Diwali
• Rama’s Legend
• Krishna’s Legend
• Lakshmi’s Legend
• The Days of Diwali
• Hindu Diwali
• Sikh Diwali
• Jain Diwali
• Aditya’s Story

Chapter Two: The History of Indian Immigration

• Coming to North America
• United States
• Canada
• The Komagata Maru
• After the Komagata Maru Incident
• Swati’s Story
• Nimrat’s Story

Chapter Three: The Evolution of Diwali

• The Changing Face of Diwali in India
• Mithai Gets a Makeover
• Widows Celebrate Diwali
• Diwali in North America Now
• Mitra’s Story
• Sapna’s Story

Chapter Four: Diwali Around the World

• Diwali in India
• Jaipur
• Varanasi
• West Bengal and Assam
• Goa
• Diwali in the Slums of Mumbai
• Kerala
• Diwali Outside India
• Nepal
• Great Britain
• Singapore
• Thailand
• South Africa
• Suriname
• Trinidad

A final word from the author
Glossary
References and Resources
Index
Acknowledgments

Editorial Reviews

"A great pick...The book is at once fascinating to read and to look at...Diwali is well-researched and informative."

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

"Written in a very readable text accompanied by colourful historical and contemporary captioned photographs...This book would be a great compliment to a study of religious customs and multiculturalism...I would highly recommend it for inclusion in school and public libraries."

Resource Links

"Provides a remarkably comprehensive look at the origins of the Hindu festival of lights...The intimate tone and vibrant photographs make this book an enjoyable and informative read from start to finish. Young readers will love the photographs, and older ones will appreciate the joy and concept of a celebration of light."

Booklist

"A great pick...The book is at once fascinating to read and to look at...Diwali is well-researched and informative."

Canadian Children's Book News

"Provides a remarkably comprehensive look at the origins of the Hindu festival of lights...The intimate tone and vibrant photographs make this book an enjoyable and informative read from start to finish. Young readers will love the photographs, and older ones will appreciate the joy and concept of a celebration of light."

Booklist

09/01/2016
Gr 3–6—A standout volume on Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In simple, clear sentences, Singh recounts the mythic origins of Diwali, while conveying the fun and values behind it. She describes how the holiday is celebrated around the world (even explaining where it's not observed) and recent trends like the westernization of mithai sweets by companies like Dunkin' Donuts. Personal stories from Singh and others emphasize the holiday's emotional resonance. Every page has one or more photos, bright with light and color. Singh explains that while there are no specific dishes that are served on Diwali, most meals are vegetarian and filling. Recipes for saffron coconut burfi, cucumber raita, and more are included. Most vocabulary words (avatar) are explained parenthetically on first use, though no pronunciation help is offered. In addition, Singh also explores how the Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali, including a chapter on the history of Indian immigration to North America. VERDICT An excellent introduction to Diwali and Indian culture, highly recommended for all geography collections.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly at St. George's School, Newport, RI

School Library Journal

2016-07-02
In a change from many of the superficial holiday books available, this sophisticated volume incorporates information about the major Indian religions; Hindu, Sikh, and Jain Diwali traditions; and Indian immigration to the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. The author was born in India and now lives in Canada. Like some of the people interviewed, her experience of Diwali “lost its luster” as she grew older, especially as she lived outside of India, but this festival of lights, with its many associated legends and traditions, is now attracting new attention in its homeland and in countries where Indians have settled. Singh provides a rich look at the religious and secular aspects of the holiday through personal interviews and includes exciting color photos taken all over India and the world, including Times Square. Recipes for traditional treats are provided. She also highlights unusual new celebrations that focus on communities that need an extra infusion of joy: widows in Vrindavan, where many women shunned by their families have gathered to live, and Mumbai children, living in extreme poverty. The inclusion of information on the Sikhs who tried to immigrate to Canada aboard the Komagata Maru in 1914 only to be refused entry is highly relevant in light of the contemporary treatment of immigrants and refugees. The book’s biggest flaw is that there’s so much information it is occasionally difficult to follow. An exceptionally valuable resource. (glossary, references and resources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews