Diwali for Kids

1Long ago, the gods and the asuras churned the great ocean, using Mount Mandara as the churning stick and the serpent Vasuki as the rope.

2Lord Vishnu, as a turtle, held the mountain up.

3Out of the ocean rose Dhanvantari, carrying a pot of amrit, the nectar of long life.

4That is why families buy something new and shiny on Dhanteras.

1The demon king Narakasura had locked away thousands of people in his fort.

2Krishna rode out in his chariot with brave Satyabhama, who fought with her bow.

3Together they defeated Narakasura at dawn and set everyone free.

4In many homes in South India, families wake before sunrise and light lamps to remember this victory.

1After fourteen years in the forest, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana flew home to Ayodhya in the Pushpaka, a flying chariot.

2It was a dark night with no moon, so the people lit rows and rows of diyas to show them the way.

3The whole city glowed.

4On this night, families also pray to Goddess Lakshmi for a happy, lucky year.

1Heavy rain fell on the village of Gokul for days.

2Little Krishna lifted the whole Govardhan hill on one finger, like a giant umbrella.

3All the people and their cows stayed safe and dry underneath.

4On this day, families make a small hill of food and say thank you for the harvest.

1Yama came to visit his sister Yamuna.

2She was so happy that she put a tilak on his forehead, gave him sweets and prayed for his long life.

3Yama was so touched that he promised to visit every year.

4Today brothers and sisters celebrate their love for each other on Bhai Dooj.