Happy Diwali!

Summary of Book

This joyful family story follows a little girl from dawn to dusk as she draws rangolis to welcome guests, prepares food with her family including pani puri and chana masala, dresses up in colorful clothing, participates in the puja, and lights the diyas in honor of Diwali: the Hindu festival of lights. Excitement, history, and traditions abound in this vibrant celebration of Diwali, complete with a glossary, and delicious recipes for mango lassi, sukhe aloo, and puri.

Author Biography

Sanyukta Mathur is a social scientist and studies how to improve the health and well-being of young people around the world. She is the author of various research publications; Happy Diwali! is her first children’s book. She lives in Maryland with her family. In Sanyukta’s words: “Celebrating Diwali is one of my fondest memories of growing up in Delhi, India. My mother would cook for days, our home would be decorated with lights, we would get new clothes and money (if we were lucky) from visiting friends and family, we would see Ram Leela (street theater retelling the stories of Ramayana), and there would be fireworks at every home and neighborhood to delight all. When our family moved to the United States, we continued with our Diwali celebrations. Now, with my own family, I have tried to re-create some of the celebrations. Courtney and I hope you enjoy reading this book and learning about how our family celebrates Diwali in the US.”

Illustrator Biography

Courtney Pippin-Mathur is the author-illustrator of Maya Was Grumpy and Dragons Rule, Princesses Drool!, which Booklist praised as “a delight from start to finish, and its empowering conclusion is a welcome bonus.” She lives in Alexandria, Virginia. She is hugely grateful to be part of a diverse and welcoming family who work hard to bring their traditions to the United States and to pass them to new generations.