This KS2 resource pack will help pupils in Years 5 and 6 learn about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, through reading and comprehension activities.
The text explains what Diwali is, why people celebrate it and what happens during the five days of the festival. Pupils will explore key traditions, such as lighting diya lamps, creating rangoli patterns, sharing mithai (traditional sweets) and celebrating with family.
The resource is suitable for whole-class guided reading, small-group sessions or independent reading activities. You can also use it as part of an RE lesson on Hinduism, focusing on Diwali.
What’s inside this KS2 Diwali comprehension pack?
- Diwali: The Festival of Lights text – explains the origins, significance and customs of Diwali.
- Comprehension questions and answer sheet – structured to check pupils’ understanding, encourage discussion and explore the meaning of words in context.
The text also includes information on:
- The five-day sequence of Diwali celebrations, including what happens each day.
- Key figures and stories associated with the festival, including Lakshmi, Rama and Sita, Lord Krishna and their triumphs over evil.
- Traditions such as lighting diya lamps, creating rangoli patterns, eating mithai and lighting fireworks.
What will pupils do?
Using this resource, pupils will:
- Read the KS2 Diwali text and discuss its main ideas.
- Answer comprehension questions to check understanding of key facts and vocabulary.
- Explore the significance of different days in the five-day celebration.
- Identify and describe important figures, such as Lakshmi and Rama and Sita, and explain what they represent.
- Discuss and write about traditions such as rangoli patterns, diya lamps and mithai.
- Reflect on how Diwali promotes family celebration and the triumph of good over evil.
- Develop reading skills, including understanding meaning in context, summarising information and responding to questions.
These activities build both knowledge of Hindu traditions and reading comprehension skills, linking closely to National Curriculum objectives.
National Curriculum links
English
- Pupils should understand what they read by checking that a text makes sense, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context.
Religious Education
- Supports study of Hinduism and key celebrations (please refer to your local authority’s agreed syllabus).
Browse more Diwali activities for primary school.