The Five Days of Diwali Explained for Kids

Most children know Diwali as the festival of lights, sweets and new clothes. But in many parts of India, Diwali isn't just one day. It's a five-day celebration, and each day has its own story, rituals and meaning. Explaining the five days helps children understand why we do what we do, and it turns the whole week into an adventure.

This guide explains the five days of Diwali for kids in simple language, with the traditional story behind each day and an easy activity to try. Customs vary widely between regions and communities, so treat this as a general guide and add your own family's traditions.

Why Diwali is celebrated

Diwali has many stories linked to it. In North India, it is widely associated with Ram's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, when people lit lamps to welcome him home. In parts of South India, the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna is celebrated. Many families worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Jains mark the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, and in Bengal, Kali Puja is celebrated on the same night. Our story of Diwali for kids tells the Ramayana story in detail.

Day 1: Dhanteras

What it is

Dhanteras, also called Dhanatrayodashi, begins the festival. "Dhan" means wealth. Many families buy something new on this day, such as utensils, gold or silver, as a symbol of good fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and lamps are lit at the entrance.

The story

One story tells that during the churning of the ocean, Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and a form associated with health and Ayurveda, appeared carrying a pot of amrit. Dhanteras is therefore also linked to good health. Another folk tale tells of a young prince whose wife saved him from danger by keeping him awake all night with stories and lamps, so the lamps on Dhanteras are lit to keep misfortune away.

Activity

Help clean and decorate the entrance. Let children paint a small diya and place it at the door in the evening.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

What it is

The second day is often called Choti Diwali, or little Diwali. In many homes, people wake early, have an oil bath and light a few lamps in the evening.

The story

The demon Narakasura had become cruel and had imprisoned thousands of people. Krishna, with his wife Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura and freed the prisoners. People celebrated with lamps. In parts of South India, this is the main day of Deepavali celebrations.

Activity

Make a rangoli at the entrance with coloured powder, rice flour or flower petals. Simple patterns of dots and lines are perfect for little hands.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali)

What it is

This is the biggest day. On the new moon night of the month of Kartik, families light rows of diyas, decorate with flowers, wear new clothes and perform Lakshmi Puja, praying to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and good beginnings. Sweets are shared with family and neighbours.

The story

Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit clean, well-lit homes on this night. In North India, families also remember Ram, Sita and Lakshman's return to Ayodhya, when the city was lit up to welcome them.

Activity

Let children help arrange the diyas and set up the puja space. Tell one Diwali story before the puja, and share sweets with the security guard, domestic helpers and neighbours.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Padwa

What it is

The day after Diwali is celebrated in different ways. Many families perform Govardhan Puja and prepare Annakut, a "mountain of food" offered in temples. In Gujarat, it is often the start of the new year. In Maharashtra and elsewhere, Padwa celebrates the bond between husband and wife, and in some regions Bali Pratipada remembers the generous King Bali.

The story

When the people of Vrindavan prepared to worship Indra, the god of rain, young Krishna suggested they thank Govardhan Hill instead, which gave them grass, water and shelter. Indra, angry, sent a terrible storm. Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger, and everyone sheltered beneath it until the storm ended. Read more Krishna stories in our Hanuman and Krishna stories for kids.

Activity

Make a little "Govardhan" from clay or dough, and use a finger to lift a small paper umbrella over toy figures. Talk about being grateful for nature.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

What it is

The festival ends with Bhai Dooj, also called Bhau Beej or Bhai Phonta. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their well-being, and brothers give gifts in return. Many families now celebrate it among all siblings and cousins.

The story

Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak, a garland and a feast. Yama was so happy that he declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed.

Activity

Make handmade cards for siblings or cousins. If your child doesn't have siblings, they can make cards for cousins or close friends.

A five-day Diwali checklist for families

• Dhanteras: Clean, decorate the door, paint a diya.

• Choti Diwali: Make rangoli, tell the Narakasura story.

• Lakshmi Puja: Light diyas, perform puja, share sweets.

• Govardhan Puja: Make a clay Govardhan, tell the Krishna story.

• Bhai Dooj: Make cards and celebrate siblings and cousins.

Gifts and books for Diwali

Books make thoughtful Diwali gifts that last far longer than crackers or sweets. Our guide to Diwali gifts for kids under ₹1,000 has ideas for every age, and illustrated mythology sets make the festival stories come alive.

Diwali sweets and snacks around India

Ask any child what they love about Diwali and sweets will be near the top of the list. Every region has its favourites, which makes food a fun way to learn about India. North Indian families often make or buy kaju katli, besan laddoo and gujiya. In Maharashtra, the Diwali faral platter includes chakli, karanji, shankarpali and chivda. Tamil families prepare murukku and adhirasam, while Bengali homes enjoy sandesh and rasgulla. Gujarati families make mathiya and ghughra.

Choose one simple recipe and make it together. Rolling laddoos, shaping karanjis or arranging a sweets box for neighbours are all lovely ways for children to take part.

A safe and green Diwali with kids

• Diya safety: Keep diyas away from curtains and loose clothing, and always supervise children near flames.

• Crackers: If your family uses them, choose open spaces, follow local rules, keep a bucket of water nearby and protect children's ears and pets.

• Go green: Use clay diyas, flower rangoli and reusable decorations.

• Share: Donate clothes, toys or books, so the festival brings joy to others too.

Explaining Diwali to different ages

• Ages 3 to 5: Focus on lights, sweets and Ram coming home.

• Ages 5 to 8: Tell one story for each day of the festival.

• Ages 8 to 12: Explore how different communities, including Jains and Sikhs, celebrate, and what the festival means to each.

Diwali is followed in many regions by Chhath Puja; read our Chhath Puja for kids guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the five days of Diwali?

Commonly, Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja (or Padwa) and Bhai Dooj.

Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

It marks the start of Diwali and is linked to wealth and health, including the appearance of Dhanvantari from the churning of the ocean.

What is the story of Choti Diwali?

It is widely linked to Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura and the freeing of his prisoners.

Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?

It celebrates siblings, based on the story of Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a feast.

Do all regions celebrate five days of Diwali?

No. Traditions vary widely, and some regions celebrate fewer days or different rituals.