Diwali is the festival of lights, and in 2026 the main day falls on Sunday 8 November. Across the five days, homes fill with lamps, sweets and visitors, and children get to hear the stories behind it all. Here is the story we share with our pupils at Sai School, the dates for this year, and a few simple ways to celebrate with your children at home.
The story of Diwali
The best-known Diwali story comes from the Ramayana. Prince Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana spent fourteen years in exile in the forest. During that time Sita was taken by Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka. With the help of Hanuman and an army of friends, Rama rescued her and defeated Ravana.
When the three of them finally returned home to Ayodhya, it was a dark, moonless night. The people lit rows of clay lamps, called diyas, along every path so Rama and Sita could find their way. Those lamps are the reason homes glow at Diwali today.
Families tell other stories too. Many pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune, on the main night. In parts of India the day before remembers Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time, and Jains remember Mahavira. The idea running through all of them is the same: light wins over darkness, and good wins over harm.
Diwali 2026 dates
- Friday 6 November: Dhanteras, the first day
- Saturday 7 November: Choti Diwali, when the first lamps are lit
- Sunday 8 November: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, the main night
- Tuesday 10 November: Govardhan Puja and the new year for many Gujarati families
- Wednesday 11 November: Bhai Dooj, celebrating brothers and sisters
Exact timings for puja vary by city and by family tradition, so check with your local mandir or family calendar.
What Diwali teaches children
At Sai School every week is built around one of five human values: truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence. Diwali touches all of them, which makes it an easy festival to talk about with children of any age.
- Right conduct: Rama kept his promise to his father, even though it meant years in the forest.
- Love: a whole city stayed up to light the way home for people they cared about.
- Truth and courage: standing up to Ravana was frightening, and Rama did it anyway.
- Peace: the lamp is a quiet reminder to bring light into a dark moment, at home or at school.
A good question to ask at the dinner table: what is one way you could bring a little light to someone this week?
Five ways to celebrate at home
- Make a diya. Air-drying clay, a thumb-pressed hollow and some paint. Younger children can use a battery tea light instead of a flame.
- Draw rangoli. Coloured chalk on the doorstep, or rice and lentils on a tray for a pattern you can keep for the week.
- Tell the story in turns. Each person tells one part of Rama and Sita’s journey. Children remember far more when they have said it out loud.
- Cook one sweet together. Coconut barfi or besan ladoo are forgiving first recipes, and taking a box to a neighbour turns a treat into an act of kindness.
- Light a lamp for someone. Before the evening prayer, each person names one person they want to wish well.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square, Sunday 25 October
London’s free Diwali celebration in Trafalgar Square, organised by the Mayor of London, takes place on Sunday 25 October 2026, a couple of weeks before Diwali itself. There is music, dance, food and stalls, and you can find the Sai School bhajan marquee there. Come and say hello.
Diwali has a special place in our school’s story. In October 2025 our pupils performed in The Diwali Story at the Royal Albert Hall, and every year our families carry the festival’s message into our food and toy collections in the weeks that follow.
Celebrate the festivals with us every Saturday
Sai School of Harrow is a free Saturday school for children aged 4 to 14. Each week children explore one of the five values through stories, music, art and festivals like Diwali, Navratri and Shivratri. Families of every faith and none are welcome.
Classes run from 10am to 12 noon in term time at Shaftesbury High School, Headstone Lane, Harrow HA3 6NP. Book a free taster Saturday to see what it’s like, or apply for a free place.