The easiest Diwali activities for classrooms are paper diya crafts, rangoli coloring or chalk designs, paper lanterns, a short kid-friendly explainer, and puzzles like a Diwali word search or maze. They take 20–45 minutes, need basic supplies, and teach the meaning of the Festival of Lights without religious instruction.
Diwali (also called Deepavali) is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, Jain and some Buddhist families around the world. In 2026, the main day of Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, so the week of November 2–6 is ideal for classroom lessons. Many schools now invite families to a "share day," and these ideas fit right in.
Here are ten classroom-tested ideas, tips for keeping things respectful, and a short FAQ.
1. Open with a 2-minute explainer
Try: "Diwali is the Festival of Lights. Families light little lamps called diyas, make colorful rangoli designs, share sweets and spend time together. It celebrates light over darkness and good over harm." Invite students who celebrate to share, but never put a child on the spot. Our Diwali Kids' Activity Pack opens with a printable "What is Diwali?" page written for ages 5–10.
2. Paper or clay diyas
Air-dry clay diyas are a classic: roll a ball, press a thumb in the center, pinch a spout and let it dry, then paint. For a no-mess version, cut a diya shape from cardstock and decorate it with markers, sequins and a tissue-paper flame. Use battery tea lights, never real flames, in class.
3. Rangoli designs
Rangoli are geometric or floral patterns made at doorways with colored powder, rice or flowers. In class, use colored chalk outdoors, colored sand on glue, or rangoli coloring pages. It is a great tie-in for symmetry in math.
4. Paper lanterns (akash kandil)
Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise, cut slits from the fold, unroll and staple into a cylinder, then add a handle. Hang them across the room for a festive display.
5. Greetings in Hindi and other languages
Teach Shubh Deepavali (शुभ दीपावली, Happy Diwali) and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas for Sikh families. Ask students if their families use other greetings in Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali or more; Diwali is celebrated in many languages.
6. Word search, maze and vocabulary
Puzzles keep early finishers busy. Useful words: diya, rangoli, lantern, sweets, family, lights, festival, sparkle. The Diwali Kids' Activity Pack includes a word search, a maze and answer keys.
7. A gratitude and kindness page
Diwali is a time of generosity. Have students write or draw one way they can "share light" with someone this week. This works in any classroom and builds community.
8. Diwali party games
For a celebration day, try Diwali bingo, a sweets-counting relay or "Pass the Diya" (a musical game with a paper diya). Our Diwali Family Party Games & Cards has printable bingo, games and greeting cards ready to go.
9. Taste and talk (with care)
If your school allows food, families sometimes send in sweets like ladoo or barfi. Check allergy policies first, and thank families for sharing.
10. Make a class greeting card
Students can design Diwali cards with diyas and rangoli for a classmate, family member or school staff. The Diwali Complete Bundle combines the kids' pack and party games for a full week of activities at a bundle price.
A sample 45-minute Diwali lesson plan
- 5 min: Read the "What is Diwali?" page aloud and show a real or printed diya
- 5 min: Practice the greeting Shubh Deepavali and find India on a map, then mention Diwali is also celebrated in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, the UK, the US and beyond
- 20 min: Diya or rangoli craft
- 10 min: Word search or maze for early finishers; gratitude page for everyone else
- 5 min: Gallery walk: students show their diyas and say one way to share light
For older grades (3–5), add a short writing prompt: What does "light over darkness" mean in your own life? Students can connect it to kindness, courage or helping a friend. For a math tie-in, have students draw a rangoli with two or four lines of symmetry on grid paper, then color matching sections the same color.
Tips for a respectful Diwali lesson
- Use shared symbols (diyas, rangoli, lanterns, lights) instead of deity images
- Mention that Diwali is celebrated by several faiths and in many regions
- Let celebrating families lead and share what they want
- Avoid treating it as "Indian Christmas"
FAQ
When is Diwali 2026?
The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8. Celebrations often run over five days.
What is an easy Diwali craft for kindergarten?
A cardstock diya decorated with markers and a tissue-paper flame, or a rangoli coloring page. Both take about 20 minutes.
Can I teach Diwali in a public school?
Yes, as a cultural lesson. Focus on traditions, art, greetings and values like kindness, and avoid religious instruction or deity imagery.
What does Shubh Deepavali mean?
It is a Hindi greeting meaning "Happy Diwali" or "auspicious Festival of Lights."
Where can I find printable Diwali activities for a classroom?
Jolly Paper Co's Diwali Kids Activity Pack has an explainer, rangoli and diya pages, a word search, a maze and a gratitude page, with no deity imagery.
Try a page free from our free sampler, or see every pack at Jolly Paper Co. Questions: hello@jollypaperco.com.