Diwali is India’s most important holiday of the year. Living in New York City I have many friends who celebrate Diwali and have come to appreciate the significance of this deeply spiritual holiday full of joy and light.

I realize that many folks have never been part of a Diwali celebration with friends. As my regular readers know, I am a fan of multi cultural books.  I take part in Multi Cultural book day every January by featuring some of the best authors in the diverse genre.  Read on to learn about Diwali and also see how you can celebrate with me as I give away a new book from Disney Press based on the new Disney Junior show Mira, Royal Detective.

DIWALI:

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians.

FIVE DAYS OF DIWALI CELEBRATIONS:

• On day one celebrants clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.
• On day two everyone decorates their homes with clay lamps. Beautiful designs (rangoli) are made on the floor using colored powders as well as sand. You can see some beautiful examples –>Here<—
• Day three is the main day of the festival. Families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi.  Delicious feasts and firework festivities also mark the day. In 2020 day three falls on November 14th,
• Day four marks the first day of the new year! Friends and relatives visit bearing gifts as well as best wishes.
• Brothers visit their married sisters on day five as well as to enjoy a lavish and delicious meal together.

MIRA, ROYAL DETECTIVE:

Disney Junior’s new show Mira, Royal Detective is set in Jaipur. Jaipur is a spectacular kingdom inspired by the customs and traditions of India. In the fun new book Under Cover Princess Mira dresses up as a princess to try to nab jewel thieves.

To celebrate Diwali and because I love that Disney has introduced a new, independent minded female character I am giving away a copy of Undercover Princess by Disney Books!

ENTER TO WIN through 11/9/20:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Disclosure: Open to U.S. Residents 18 and over. Winner must provide their name and email address in order to be notified. If winner does not respond within 48 hours an alternate will be chosen. Contest runs through 11/9/20.

**Disclosure: Our beautiful cover photo is from the Society for the confluence of festival of India. You can learn more about Diwali from SCFI.

More fun Mira merchandise is available through my Amazon affiliate links below: