Diwali Stories for Kids
Why do we light lamps on Diwali? There isn't just one story — there are many beautiful ones, from the Hindu, Sikh and Jain traditions. Here they are, told simply for little listeners.
Hindu · Diwali night (Amavasya)
Rama Comes Home to Ayodhya
The most famous Diwali story: after fourteen long years away, Prince Rama, Sita and Lakshmana finally come home — and the whole city lights millions of little lamps to guide them.
Hindu · Naraka Chaturdashi (the day before Diwali)
Krishna and the Demon Narakasura
In South India, Diwali celebrates the day Krishna defeated the wicked demon Narakasura and freed sixteen thousand prisoners — a victory of good over a bully.
Hindu · Lakshmi Puja (Diwali night)
Why We Welcome Goddess Lakshmi
On Diwali night, families clean their homes and light lamps to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune — and the story of why she visits only bright, happy homes.
Hindu · Govardhan Puja / Annakut (the day after Diwali)
The Mountain on Krishna's Little Finger
The day after Diwali, people remember the time little Krishna lifted a whole mountain on one finger to shelter his village from a storm — and taught everyone to be thankful for nature.
Hindu · Bhai Dooj (two days after Diwali)
Bhai Dooj — The Brother and Sister Day
Diwali ends with a day just for brothers and sisters — and the story of how Yamuna's love for her brother Yama made it special forever.
Sikh · Bandi Chhor Divas (falls on Diwali)
Bandi Chhor Divas — The Guru Who Would Not Leave Without Everyone
For Sikhs, Diwali is also Bandi Chhor Divas — the day Guru Hargobind walked free from prison, and refused to leave unless fifty-two kings came with him.
Jain · Diwali night (Mahavira Nirvana)
Mahavira's Light — The Jain Diwali
For Jains, Diwali marks the night Lord Mahavira attained the highest wisdom and his soul became free — and the lamps celebrate the light of his teachings.
📜 These are gentle retellings for children, based on the Ramayana, the Bhagavata Purana, Sikh history and Jain tradition. Families tell these stories in many lovely ways — ours is just one telling.