Diwali Stories Every Child should Know

October 6, 2025

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most magical times of the year for children. Streets twinkle with fairy lights, homes smell of delicious sweets, and colorful rangolis on Diwali decorate every doorstep. But beyond the lights and fireworks, Diwali has deep stories and lessons that teach kids about good and evil, courage, kindness, and the importance of family. Learning these Diwali stories or deepavali stories helps children connect with culture and understand the true meaning of this festival, making it more than just a diwali celebration—it’s a celebration for Diwali full of values.

What You’ll Find in This Post

In this blog, you’ll explore:

Fascinating story of Deepavali and legends from Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism
Moral lessons that children can learn from these deepavali stories in English
Kid-friendly ways of celebrating Diwali with family safely
Answers to frequently asked questions about Diwali in English

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also called Deepavali, literally means “row of lights.” It is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. People light deepavali diyas, decorate their homes, share sweets, and enjoy diwali festival of lights activities. For kids, Diwali is exciting because of the colors, deepavali lights, and story behind Diwali—but it’s also a festival full of lessons in courage, honesty, and kindness.

Diwali 2025: A Festival Kids Can Truly Experience

In 2025, the main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. The festivities begin with Dhanteras on October 18, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi on October 19, leading to Lakshmi Puja on the 20th, then Govardhan Puja on October 22, and concluding with Bhai Dooj on October 23.

Children can experience the festival in ways that are both fun and meaningful:

Participating in family traditions like decorating rangoli on Diwali or making beautiful Diwali drawing
Helping light diwali diyas safely around the house
Learning and retelling the story of Deepavali in English or deepawali story
Sharing sweets and small gifts with friends and family, spreading diwali wishes or deepavali wishes

By being part of these deepawali celebrations, children not only enjoy the festival but also understand the values it represents, such as honesty, courage, kindness, and family togetherness. Celebrating Diwali with family helps them connect with tradition and learn why Diwali is a festival of love and light.

The Story of Lord Rama and Diwali

One of the most famous deepawali stories comes from the epic Ramayana. Long ago, Prince Rama of Ayodhya was sent into exile for 14 years by his father, King Dasharatha. Rama’s wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana, accompanied him into the forest. During their exile, Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, who ruled Lanka.

Rama, with the help of Hanuman and an army of monkeys, fought a mighty war to rescue Sita. After defeating Ravana and restoring peace, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya. To celebrate their homecoming, the people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps, called deepavali diyas. This illumination symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, which is the story behind Deepavali.

Moral for kids: This deepawali story teaches that courage, honesty, and goodness always triumph over evil, no matter how strong it seems.

The Story of Goddess Lakshmi and Wealth

Another key story of Deepavali comes from Hindu mythology about Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. During the famous churning of the ocean, called Samudra Manthan, many treasures emerged, including Goddess Lakshmi. People began worshiping her to invite prosperity and happiness into their homes.

Diwali is considered the perfect time to honor Lakshmi. Families clean and decorate their homes, believing that a bright, clean house invites the goddess’s blessings. Children can also learn that wealth is not just about money—it comes from honesty, hard work, and purity of heart.

Kid lesson: Doing good deeds, being honest, and maintaining cleanliness bring true prosperity and happiness. Deepavali festival of light is not just about money but values and virtues.

The Story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura

In another Diwali story, Narakasura, a powerful demon king, terrorized the people of the land. He stole treasures and kidnapped princesses, spreading fear everywhere. Lord Krishna, known for his bravery and wisdom, defeated Narakasura and freed the captives.

This victory is celebrated a day before Diwali in many regions of India. People rejoice and decorate their homes with deepavali lights to mark the triumph of justice over tyranny.

Moral for kids: Standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right, even when it’s hard, is always worth it. Courage and fairness can overcome even the strongest evil.

The Story of the Pandavas Returning from Exile

Another story linked to Diwali is from the Mahabharata, about the Pandavas. They were exiled from their kingdom for 12 years as part of a royal conspiracy. After their exile, they returned home victorious and reclaimed their kingdom. People welcomed them by lighting lamps, celebrating the return of truth, justice, and rightful rulers.

Kid lesson: This deepawali story shows that patience, faith, and unity can help overcome long periods of difficulty. Goodness and perseverance always pay off in the end.

The Release of Guru Hargobind: Bandi Chhor Diwas in Sikhism

Diwali is not just celebrated in Hinduism. In Sikhism, it is also known as Bandi Chhor Diwas. This day commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

Guru Hargobind refused to leave prison until 52 kings imprisoned alongside him were freed. His release coincided with Diwali, and Sikhs celebrate it by lighting gurdwaras, holding processions, and illuminating homes with diwali diyas.

Moral for kids: True freedom is not just about yourself—it’s about helping others and standing up for what is right. Generosity and courage create light even in dark times.

The Attainment of Mahavira’s Nirvana: Diwali in Jainism

In Jainism, Diwali marks a spiritual victory. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation) on Diwali night. Jain scriptures refer to Diwali as Dipalikaya which means light leaving the body. Jains observe this day through prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness. The Diwali festival represents the triumph of spiritual purity, self-discipline, and truth over worldly attachments.

Moral for kids: Peace, self-discipline, and truthfulness guide us toward freedom and inner happiness. Diwali is not just lights outside—it’s also about lighting the mind and heart with wisdom and virtue.

Moral Lessons from Diwali Stories

When we look across all these deepawali stories in English, a few common lessons stand out:

Good triumphs over evil: Whether it’s Rama defeating Ravana or Krishna defeating Narakasura, truth and virtue win.
Honesty and hard work matter: Lakshmi’s blessings come to those who are sincere and diligent.
Courage and kindness make heroes: Facing challenges with bravery, like the Pandavas or the Gurus, leads to victory.
Unity and family are powerful: Togetherness, support, and faith help overcome hardships.
Light dispels darkness: Diwali with lights is a reminder that hope, goodness, and knowledge shine brighter than fear and ignorance.

These are values children can carry into their daily lives—both big and small.

Why Parents Should Share These Stories with Kids

Stories are powerful tools for teaching. Sharing deepawali stories in English with children:

Teaches moral lessons in a fun, relatable way
Helps kids connect with their culture and traditions
Encourages imagination and storytelling skills
Reinforces the values of honesty, bravery, kindness, and family

By telling these Diwali stories, parents pass down wisdom that lasts far beyond the festival.

How Kids Can Celebrate Diwali Safely

Celebrating Diwali isn’t just about sweets and fireworks. Kids can enjoy the festival while learning and participating in safe and meaningful ways:

Lighting diyas safely: Use earthen lamps or electric lights instead of fireworks to prevent accidents.
Making rangoli: Let kids create colorful patterns at home using safe, non-toxic powders or paper.
Sharing sweets and gifts: Encourage them to distribute treats to neighbors, friends, or family.
Storytelling time: Children can retell the story behind Deepavali to younger siblings, strengthening memory and values.
Diwali art and crafts: Making beautiful Diwali drawing, lanterns, cards, or decorative items is creative and safe fun.
Diwali outfits for kids: Let children dress in festive, comfortable Diwali outfits for kids to make the celebrations more joyful and memorable

Celebrations like these teach kids responsibility, sharing, and the importance of family traditions while celebrating Diwali with family.

Conclusion

Diwali is much more than just fireworks, sweets, or colorful decorations. It is a festival packed with lessons, courage, kindness, and hope. From Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings of prosperity, Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura, the Pandavas’ return, Guru Hargobind’s liberation, to Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana, every story highlights the power of truth, virtue, and light.

For children, these deepavali stories in English are not just tales—they are life lessons. By celebrating Diwali safely and meaningfully, kids can learn courage, generosity, patience, and the joy of family. As diwali with lights glows, sweets are shared, and stories are retold, Diwali becomes a deepavali festival of light for both the heart and home.

So this Diwali, let children light their deepavali diyas, create their rangoli on Diwali, share their sweets, and most importantly, carry forward the values these deepawali stories teach. After all, the brightest lights are not just in homes—they shine in hearts.

FAQs on Diwali Story for Kids

1. What is the best story of Diwali?
The story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana is the most popular. It teaches that good always wins over evil.

2. Why do we light diyas during Diwali?
We light diyas to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil. They also bring warmth, positivity, and happiness to homes.

3. Are Diwali celebrations the same across India?
No. While lights, sweets, and prayers are common, different regions celebrate with unique legends, rituals, and local customs.

4. How to explain Diwali to a kid?
Diwali is a festival of lights where we celebrate good winning over evil, clean our homes, share sweets, and spend time with family.

5. What is the very short story of Diwali?
Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the evil king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

6. How is Diwali celebrated in simple words?
People decorate homes with lights and rangoli, light lamps, exchange gifts and sweets, and pray for happiness and prosperity.

7. What is the kids show about Diwali?
Many kids’ shows tell Diwali stories through cartoons or animated videos, explaining legends like Lord Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, or Krishna in fun ways.

8. What is the moral of Diwali?
Diwali teaches honesty, courage, kindness, patience, and that good always triumphs over evil.

9. What is the best way to spread Diwali cheer?
Sharing sweets, giving small gifts, helping others, and decorating your home with lights and diyas spreads joy and positivity.

10. How to celebrate Diwali essay for kids?
Kids can write about lighting diyas, making rangoli, sharing sweets, telling stories, and celebrating with family in a safe and fun way.

11. What lessons can be learned from the Diwali story?
Diwali teaches us bravery, honesty, kindness, unity, patience, and the importance of family and moral values.

12. What do the five days of Diwali represent?

Dhanteras: Wealth and prosperity
Naraka Chaturdashi: Victory over evil
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Worship and blessings
Govardhan Puja: Gratitude to nature
Bhai Dooj: Celebrating sibling bonds

13. What activity brings good luck during Diwali?
Cleaning and decorating your home, lighting diyas, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi bring good luck.

14. How to wish Diwali in creative ways?
Send handmade cards, small gifts, or colorful messages, or make a short video greeting with lights and music.

15. How to start Diwali celebration in school?
Schools can begin with storytelling, craft activities like making diyas or rangoli, and sharing sweets with classmates.

16. What are 5 facts about Diwali?

Diwali means “row of lights.”
It celebrates the victory of good over evil.
It’s celebrated for 5 days.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Diwali.
People light diyas and decorate homes.

17. What is Diwali in a simple sentence?
Diwali is a festival of lights that celebrates goodness, happiness, and family togetherness.

18. Why do children love Diwali?
Because of lights, fireworks, sweets, gifts, and fun activities like rangoli and storytelling.

19. Are there different Diwali stories?
Yes. Different regions and religions have unique legends, including stories of Rama, Krishna, Pandavas, Guru Hargobind, and Mahavira.

20. What is the real story of Diwali?
Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

21. What is the main message of Diwali?
The main message is that truth, goodness, and light overcome darkness and evil.

22. What lesson does Diwali teach us?
It teaches honesty, courage, patience, kindness, and respect for family and community.

23. Why is Diwali celebrated for 5 days?
Each day honors different legends and traditions, including wealth, victory over evil, gratitude, and sibling bonds.

24. What are some fun facts about Diwali for kids?

People decorate with thousands of lights.
Rangoli patterns are colorful and unique.
Special sweets are made for the festival.
Children often get gifts or new clothes.
It’s celebrated all over India with regional differences.

25. What does Diwali symbolize?
Diwali symbolizes light, hope, knowledge, and the triumph of good over evil.

26. What is the most important day of Diwali?
The third day, called Diwali or Lakshmi Puja, is the main day when families light diyas, pray for prosperity, and celebrate together.

Back to blog

Item added to your cart