In Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar, Binny’s class is learning about different holidays. It is Binny’s turn to share, and she is planning to talk about Diwali, a festival of lights Binny’s Hindu family celebrates. When it is Binny’s time to speak…she can’t! She is so nervous she can’t remember what she wanted to say! Everyone laughs and stares, but Binny manages to find her words anyway! She talks about diyas and jalebis and pedas. Do you know what those are? Watch this video to listen to the story and learn about Diwali, just like the kids in Binny’s class. After watching the video you can learn more from Binny’s printable learning sheet, The Diwali Story. Enjoy Diwali storytime online!
Talk!
After listening to the story, talk about some of the things that happened in it.
- What did Binny have for breakfast instead of cereal on her special day?
- What advice did Mr. Boomer give Binny to help her relax?
- How many days do people celebrate Diwali?
- Can you think of another holiday when kids are allowed to carry sparklers?
Read!
Use your Library Card to check out books about Diwali at any of our locations, or check out Diwali e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids right to your device. If you have never used OverDrive before, you can learn how to use it for both e-books and audiobooks.
Click on the book covers below to listen to more Diwali video read aloud stories right now! It’s Diwali storytime online! Did you like these? You can find more stories at Free Video Read Alouds and enjoy even more themed reading and activity fun at the Library’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home.
Sing!
Sing along with The Let’s Go Club to find out all about Diwali.
Write!
Find some crayons or makers to color a Diwali picture or find Diwali words.
Play!
Take a walk and read a story as you go! We invite you to visit one of our StoryWalks®. Stroll through a park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Or Skip. Or gallop!
Spend an enjoyable afternoon learning how to Make Your Own Diwali Candle.
Watch this video to see children crafting paper lanterns to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights called Diwali and then Make Your Own Diwali Lantern.
Join Us for In-Person Storytime!
- Event: Harp Music & Stories
- Date & Time: Monday, March 09, 10:30am
- Location: College Avenue Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers will be introduced to the music of a concert harp in this program with Arts for Learning teaching artist Melissa Gallant. Join us to learn that music brings stories to life through feelings and emotions!
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Baby & Toddler
- Date & Time: Monday, March 09, 10:30am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Children and their caregivers are welcome to join us for Baby & Toddler Storytime! We will read stories, sing songs, and enjoy a craft.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Stoytime at Eagle – Babies and Toddlers
- Date & Time: Monday, March 09, 10:30am
- Location: Eagle Branch
- Description: Baby and Toddler story time is a great way to help your infant and toddler with physical skills, early language, and early literacy skills as well as increase the bond between the parent or caregiver and a young child.
- No Registration Required.
Celebrate and Learn About Diwali – The Festival of Lights
Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is the most important holiday of the year for the millions who celebrate it. The dates change every year, but it usually falls between mid-October to mid-November. If you are interested in learning more about it, here are just a few of many books that you can share.
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Need Help?
Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.
