What is the Diwali story, and how do I tell it to my child?
Diwali is the festival of lights. It celebrates Shri Ram, Sita ji and Lakshman ji coming home to Ayodhya after fourteen years, when the people lit rows of diyas to welcome them, and it reminds us that light is stronger than darkness. This year, Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday 8 November 2026.
The story of Diwali
Long ago, Shri Ram was sent to live in the forest for fourteen years. Sita ji and his brother Lakshman went with him. In the forest, the demon king Ravan took Sita ji away. With the help of Hanuman ji and the vanar sena, Shri Ram brought her back and Ravan's wrong was undone.
When the fourteen years were over, Shri Ram, Sita ji and Lakshman ji returned to Ayodhya. It was a moonless night, so the people of Ayodhya lit diyas along every street and doorway. The whole city glowed with joy.
That is why, every Diwali, we light diyas in our own homes.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana (the exile, Sita ji's return and Shri Ram's homecoming). The lighting of lamps in Ayodhya is the traditional account told on Diwali.
Why it matters
Kindness and truth always win in the end, and a small light can brighten a dark night.
How to tell it by age
Ages 2–3 (Bal): "Shri Ram came home! Everyone lit little diyas to say welcome." Point to a diya and say "Jai Shri Ram" together.
Ages 3–6 (Jigyasu): Tell the short version above. Ask: "Why do you think the people lit so many diyas?" Let your child help place cotton wicks or put out the diyas for the evening, with a grown-up handling the flame.
Ages 6–10 (Shishya): Tell the full story, including Hanuman ji's help. Talk about what "darkness" can mean: unkindness, fear, telling lies. Ask: "What is one small light you can be for someone this week?"
Other Diwali stories
Diwali is also the time families worship Lakshmi ji, the goddess of prosperity, on the new-moon evening. Many families also remember Ganesh ji at the same puja. You can read about the days before Diwali in our post on Dhanteras and Lakshmi puja for kids. Different regions of India also tell different stories at Diwali, which is lovely to share with children.
Keeping Diwali safe and calm for little ones
- Let a grown-up light every diya and candle.
- Keep small children away from fireworks and sparklers.
- Let children decorate with rangoli, flowers and sweets instead.
Questions parents ask
Is Diwali only about Shri Ram?
No. Many homes celebrate Lakshmi ji and Ganesh ji too, and some regions tell other stories. Shri Ram's homecoming is the story most families share with children.
When is Diwali in 2026?
Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Do check this year's panchang for the exact puja time in your city.
Why do we say "Shubh Deepavali"?
It means "a blessed festival of lights". We say it to wish each other joy, health and light.
Is Diwali the same as Chhath?
No. Chhath comes a few days after Diwali and thanks the sun. Read about it in our Chhath Puja guide for kids.
Hear it on Pratham Pranam
Listen to festival stories, mantras and aartis in Hindi and English, with no ads, at Pratham Pranam festivals.
The iOS app is live. Hear the Diwali story with your children. Download Pratham Pranam on the App Store. The Android app is coming soon.