Synopsis of Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Diwali: with Sweets, Lights, and Fireworks

Using fairly brief text and approximately 25 vibrant photographs, each book in the Holidays Around the World series introduces young readers to a major world holiday. The books give a flavour for the holiday from a global perspective; in the case of Diwali the author explains that it is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and of light over darkness. While different cultures interpret the origins of the holiday differently, they all agree that Diwali is a joyous time in which Hindu communities celebrate with fireworks, sweets, and gifts.Both visually and through the text, Celebrate Diwali focuses on cultural, historical, and religious aspects of the holiday: traditions, food, types of celebration. The extensive back matter includes fun facts; a Diwali recipe; a glossary, a Diwali poem, prayer, or song; a map showing the locations of the photographs in the book; a resource list of books, videos, and Web sites; and a note from Dr. Vasudha Narayanan of the University of Florida at Gainsville, the book's consultant. Dr. Narayanan's note, aimed at parents and teachers, helps put the holiday in a greater cultural and historic context.