Diwali Footprints

Create decorations with a mischievous edge for Diwali, a heritage-rich festival for Hindus. Work with a partner to design Lakshmi's colorful footprints.

• 1.

  Diwali, the Festival of Lights is one of the few Hindu festivals that is celebrated in every part of India. Diwali traditions differ depending on the area of the country. Find out about Diwali customs in India, Thailand, or other countries.

• 2.

  During Diwali, Hindus of all lands welcome Lakshmi (also spelled Laxmi) into their homes by cleaning and decorating. Tiny footprints of Lakashmi are found around the house to show her arrival.

• 3.

  Cover your art area with newspaper. With a classmate, remove your shoes. Take turns rapidly covering each other's feet (one at a time) with Crayola® Color Wonder™ Markers. (Yes, it tickles!) <B>Quickly</B>, while your foot is wet, press it on Crayola Color Wonder Paper. The marker will only show on this special paper, not on your feet. Wash your feet with soap and water and dry with paper towels when you are finished printing.

• 4.

  With Crayola Scissors, cut out your footprints. Decorate them with markers and Crayola Glitter Glue. Remember, the footprints are talismans of wealth and prosperity, so decorate them accordingly. Air dry flat.

Benefits

• Students gather information about the Hindu festival of Diwali.
• Students learn about Diwali traditions in India.
• Students work in pairs to create Lakshmi's footprint decorations to celebrate the holiday.

Adaptations

• The symbolic meaning of Diwali is important to Hindus, who see this as a time where the light of knowledge overcomes the darkness of ignorance. Listen to Hindu stories to find examples of this struggle.
• Compare this "Festival of Lights" with other "lights" festivals. What elements are similar? How do the traditions differ?
• Find out what other customs are practiced during this 5-day festival. Prepare them for a special event for families.