The Night Before Diwali

About this book

“‘Twas the night before Diwali and all through the house, rich incense lulled everyone to sleep… even the mouse.”

Told in the style of the famous Christmas poem, The Night Before Diwali follows a little boy and his grandmother as they prepare for an amazing Diwali celebration. 

While the rest of the family lie dreaming of jalebi pastries and intricate music, the boy and his ammamma tiptoe around the house, cooking delicious laddoos and sipping sweet badam milk as they look forward to the big day. 

There’s much to be done, with rangoli patterns to draw, diya lanterns to light and presents to wrap. And the next day, when the celebrations begin, it’s time to enjoy lots of eating, dancing, and singing with the whole family!

This charming picture book immerses its readers in the traditions of a Diwali celebration through warm scenes of cooking, decorating and celebrating with loved ones. It's beautifully illustrated by Darshika Varma, featuring a rich colour palette and intricate rangoli patterns that children may wish to recreate.

The rhyming text carries the story along like a lullaby and includes lots of traditional Diwali vocabulary which may be new to children, as well as a fact page and a delicious recipe at the end of the book.  

About the author