Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated holidays in India, and it has always held special meaning for me and my family. Since moving to the United States and becoming part of a multicultural family and community, it has taken on even more significance. Blending the traditions I grew up with into my life here has been (and continues to be) a journey, and it’s been a joy to introduce my son, non-Indian husband, and extended family to these important aspects of my identity.

Diwali, then and now, has been a time of togetherness, marked by lighting lamps, drawing rangolis, wearing new clothes, sharing delicious sweets with loved ones, and setting off the odd sparkler or two. Through these simple traditions, we honor the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil—a message that resonates deeply in today’s world. This year, I’ve curated a list of books that celebrate Diwali and Indian culture, offering a glimpse into the rich stories, traditions, and values that shape this holiday and more. Whether you’re familiar with these traditions or exploring them for the first time, I hope these books bring light and joy to your reading.

Binny’s Diwali

Written by Thrity Umrigar
Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

Binny is excited yet nervous as she prepares to share the magic of Diwali with her classmates. With the support of her family, she finds her voice and introduces her friends to the Festival of Lights, explaining the traditions of fireworks, rangoli, and sweets. This heartwarming story beautifully captures the importance of sharing cultural traditions and finding the courage to speak up, while also highlighting the joy and significance of Diwali.

My Diwali Light

Written by Supriya Khelkar
Illustrated by Rakhee MIrchandani

In My Diwali Light, Devi shares the joy of her favorite holiday with her family, friends, and neighbors. From wearing her special bindi and enjoying samosas, to creating rangoli with her dad and painting diyas with her grandmother, Devi’s Diwali is full of love, tradition, and connection. Through vibrant illustrations and heartfelt moments, this story beautifully captures the warmth of community and the significance of shining your light brightly all year long.

Diwali in my New Home

Written by Shachi Kaushik
Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon

Priya navigates the excitement and challenges of celebrating Diwali after moving to a new country. As her family prepares for the Festival of Lights, Priya feels a mix of homesickness and joy, eventually finding comfort in familiar Diwali traditions. In this story, author Shachi Kaushik captures the feelings of belonging, adjustment, and the joy of keeping cultural traditions alive.

Amma, Tell Me About Diwali

Written by Bhakti Mathur
Illustrated by Maulshree Somani

This engaging picture book brings the story of Diwali to life through the eyes of a young child as his mother, Amma, explains the origins of the festival. Through captivating illustrations and rhythmic text, children learn about the legends of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, the victory of good over evil, and the importance of honesty and humility.

It’s Diwali!

Written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

In this vibrant board book, toddlers and preschoolers are introduced to the colorful traditions of Diwali. With simple text and eye-catching illustrations, young children will learn about lighting diyas, creating rangolis, sharing sweets, and spending time with family.

Regardless of whether the books on this list mirror the lived experiences of your family or offer a window into the experiences of others in your community,  these stories about Diwali offer opportunities to explore family traditions, cultural diversity, and the values of light, kindness, and community. Use the talking tips below to spark meaningful conversations with your child as you share these books together. 

Celebrate cultural diversity: Diwali is just one of many cultural celebrations around the world. Ask your child if they can think of other holidays or traditions they’ve learned about or experienced. What do these celebrations have in common? 

Talk about family traditions: Talk to your child about the traditions in your family during holidays or special events. How are these similar to or different from the ones in the stories? What traditions would they like to create or continue? 

Discuss new experiences: Many of the characters in these stories navigate new experiences, like introducing Diwali to friends from another culture or celebrating the holiday  in a new place. Talk with your child about a time they experienced something new. How did they feel? How did they find comfort in the new experience? 

Explore the theme of light: Diwali is all about the victory of light over darkness. Ask your child what the light represents to them. Why do we use candles or lamps in celebrations? What does it mean when we “shine our light” in everyday life?

Emphasize kindness and goodness: Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Ask your child to reflect on moments in the stories where characters show kindness or make good choices. How can they practice kindness in their own lives?