Here are some books set during the festival of Diwali for adults and children

Tanuj Solanki

Friendship between two teenaged boys dissolves in the aftermath of an act of violence typical of the place they live in — the north Indian town of Muzaffarnagar. A young man comes to the same town to celebrate Diwali with his family and learns that, given his roots, his cosmopolitanism might not be an option anymore. A young woman, hitherto unburdened with family duties, grapples with the absence of grief upon her father’s death. Elsewhere, a recently married couple is pulled apart by a crisis rooted in the woman’s traumatic childhood. In Tanuj Solanki’s Diwali in Muzaffarnagar, young men and women travel between the past and the present, the metropolis and the small town, and the always-at-odds needs of life: Solitude and family.

Ashok K. Banker

Diwali is synonymous with the story of Prince Rama and Sita. It marks the return of the exiled prince to Ayodhya. So, what better time then this to read about him. The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere In this first book of the Ramayana, it is predicted Ayodhya, legendary capital of warriors and seers, will soon be a wasteland of ashes and blood. Only Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, can hope to prevent the onslaught of darkness. Is Rama’s courage enough in the final battle to halt the demons’ invasion and save Ayodhya?

Katie Daynes Every year, bright lights, family gatherings and street parades mark the spectacular festival of Diwali. But how did the festival begin? And who celebrates it today? The story of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, from its beginnings in Hindu and Sikh tradition to how it is celebrated today. The Usborne Reading Programme has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. Young Reading Series 2 is designed for children growing in reading confidence and ability.

Hannah Eliot; Illustrator: Archana Sreenivasan Learn all about the traditions of Diwali with this book in the delightful board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe. Each autumn we gather with our friends and family and light our brightest lanterns. It’s time for Diwali, the festival of lights! In this lovely board book with illustrations from Archana Sreenivasan, readers learn that the five days of Diwali are a time to pray for a bountiful season, celebrate the special bonds between siblings, and rejoice in the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Alankrita Jain

Join Gittoo and his friends as they prepare to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights! Featuring characters and settings from Anita Raina Thapan’s muchloved Hurray for Diwali! This exciting book is packed with scenes to colour-in, as well as imaginative drawing activities! Bring out your colour pencils and celebrate all the special things that make Diwali the most beautiful festival of all!

Malachy Doyle; Illustrator: Christopher Corr

The perfect picture book to introduce children to Rama and Sita and the story of Diwali, with text by award-winning author Malachy Doyle and stunning, colourful illustrations from Christopher Corr. Rama and Sita live happily in the forest — until Sita is kidnapped by the demon king, Ravana. Can Rama and the monkey king Hanuman follow the trail she has laid for them and save Sita, or will she be lost forever? Whether you’re looking for a Diwali gift or a simple introduction to the Diwali story to share with your children, this beautiful book, now reissued in a larger picture book format, is ideal.

— Compiled by Manasi Y Mastakar