Diwali--Hindu Festival of Lights (Best Holiday Books)

Grade 2–5—This revision of the 1997 edition begins with a description of the rows of oil lamps that are lit during this autumn festival. A map of India, marking four major cities and neighboring countries, is followed by a short explanation of the main elements of Hinduism. The book includes abbreviated retellings of the two stories told during the celebration—Rama's return after his long exile on the night of the new moon, and Krishna's defeat of the evil Narakasura, but it does not point out that Rama's story is told in northern India while Krishna's is predominately related in the south. Similarly, a short chapter titled "How Diwali Began" translates the name of the holiday as "Row of Lights" without differentiating between the southern Deepavali and northern Diwali. MacMillan mentions correctly, however, that Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and wealth, symbolizes the holiday for most Hindus today, making it an important time for businesses. Descriptions of family traditions such as holding a prayer ceremony to honor Lakshmi, decorating the house with designs made of colored rice flour, and special foods and clothes are written in direct, easy language. Some of the photos feature Indian Americans; others depict scenes from India. A photograph of the Golden Temple in Amritsar lacks the explanation that this is the sacred monument of the Sikhs. Celebrate Diwali (National Geographic, 2007) gives a more in-depth and accurate introduction to this important holiday.—Monika Schroeder, American Embassy School Library, New Delhi, India
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