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 indyPL 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 IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home.
Help kids celebrate/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.
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 StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park at 3025 Ruckle Street. Stroll through the 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 or Make Diya Streamers.
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: Reading Ready Time – Nutcracker Fun
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 12:00am
- Location: Online
- Description: Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! The Indianapolis Ballet shares the story of The Nutcracker followed by a dance lesson. On your toes, everyone! Visit https://bit.ly/readingreadytime for this program.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Warren – Baby & Toddler
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 10:15am
- Location: Warren Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers up to 36 months and their adults are invited for stories, songs, toys, and more.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Preschool
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 10:30am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and fingerplays followed by an art and craft time.
- No Registration Required.
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.
