Free Diwali crafts and activities to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights

The theme of light triumphing over darkness is common in many religions. Hindus celebrate it in Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights. Diwali kicks off the Hindu new year. It falls in the month of Kartika--late October to early November on the western calendar. In 2014, Diwali begins October 23. Here are free printable Diwali crafts, activities, games and recipes. Teachers, you might want to use these as social studies lessons to explore Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and world holidays.Free Diwali crafts and activities to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights | Examiner.com

Free Printable Diwali Cards

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a five-day festival celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains around the world. Diwali 2012 will be celebrated November 13-17 in the western calendar. Diwali means "garland of lights" (or row of lights) in Sanskrit and is referred to as the "Festival of lights." In the Indian calendar, Diwali is celebrated in late Ashwin (September-October) and ends in early Kartika (October-November). It is customary to send greeting cards. Here are Free Printable Diwali Cards, Rangoli Crafts