When October rolls around, my mind drifts to pumpkin spice coffee, autumn leaves, and Halloween. But another holiday fills this month as well: Diwali. While the exact date changes each year, it takes place every October or November.
Sometimes learning about another religion's holidays can feel uncomfortable. Like wearing a pair of shoes a size too big. But it's a great way to understand and connect with those who believe differently. And it allows us to teach our kids how to navigate different worldviews from a Christian lens. Training our kids how to filter different belief systems through a biblical worldview now will give our kids the tools to do so for themselves in the years ahead.
We want to openly talk with our kids about what others believe. For an overview of how to guide conservations about other religions with your kids, check out this article I wrote. As we increase our understanding, we can better pray for others.
WHAT IS DIWALI?
Diwali (duh-VAH-lee) is a Hindu celebration held on October 24 this year. Diwali is a festival of lights—a celebration of light, good, and knowledge defeating darkness, evil, and ignorance. It lasts five days. Hindus decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and eat lots of tasty food. It's one of the biggest Hindu holidays of the year—so it's similar in importance as Christmas or Easter is for Christians.
DIWALI VIDEO
As a family, watch this short video (about 3 minutes!) produced by National Geographic to gain insight about Diwali (and see some of its beauty as well!).
PRAYER PROMPTS
As a family, watch this short video (about 3 minutes!) produced by National Geographic to gain insight about Diwali (and see some of its beauty as well!).
PRAYER PROMPTS
1) Pray for Hindu families to come to know Jesus as the light of the world. Ask that Hindus would no longer walk in darkness but follow Jesus and have the light of life (John 8:12).
2) Pray for Hindu families to understand how Jesus has defeated darkness and evil.
3) Ask God to place Christians in the lives of Hindus who can walk alongside them and share the gospel.
ACTIVITIES
1) Swing by the Weave website to learn more about Diwali, create your own diya lamp, make a creative design to welcome Jesus into your family's home, and learn how to pray for Hindus as a family.
2) Hang up white lights on a porch or room in your home. Then make a popular Diwali treat, Gulab Jamun. Enjoy your treat while sitting under the sparkling lights as a family and praying for Hindus.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
2) Pray for Hindu families to understand how Jesus has defeated darkness and evil.
3) Ask God to place Christians in the lives of Hindus who can walk alongside them and share the gospel.
ACTIVITIES
1) Swing by the Weave website to learn more about Diwali, create your own diya lamp, make a creative design to welcome Jesus into your family's home, and learn how to pray for Hindus as a family.
2) Hang up white lights on a porch or room in your home. Then make a popular Diwali treat, Gulab Jamun. Enjoy your treat while sitting under the sparkling lights as a family and praying for Hindus.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1) Binny's Diwali: Binny finds the courage to tell her classmates about her favorite holiday, Diwali. This is a great book to discuss some differences between Hindus and Christians regarding religious beliefs. (Ages 4 to 8)
2) Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Diwali: National Geographic Kids dives more into how Diwali became a holiday, why it's important to Hindus, and the ways this holiday is celebrated. (Grades 2 to 4)
Be sure to watch for more World Holidays Prayer Guides throughout the coming year!