Fairfax County Mom’s Book Helps Kids Learn About Diwali

VIENNA, VA — As more school systems start to add Diwali and other new religious holidays to the school calendars, a mom and former teacher from the Vienna-Oakton area wants kids to know what the holiday is about.

Chhavi Arya Bhargava, an Indian American author and mom of two, wrote a “A Kids Book About Diwali.” As part of the “A Kids Book About” series from DK/Penguin Random House, it is one of the first nonfiction books for children about Diwali. The release is timely, as the next Diwali observance is on Nov. 1.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by multiple religions — Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Variations of the holiday depend on the religion. Fairfax County Public Schools first added Diwali as a day off for students in the 2022-2023 school year.

To write the book, Bhargava drew inspiration from her own experiences as a mom and former elementary school teacher. Rather than solely focusing on the religious aspects of Diwali, she wanted to share the cultural parts that feel inclusive and can bring people together. ” Since Bhargava has published it, “A Kids Book About Diwali” has been named the winner of the 2024 NYC Big Book Award in the Children’s Religion category.

Patch asked Bhargava to complete a Q&A to discuss the inspiration behind the book and more.

Tell me about yourself and why you wanted to write a book about Diwali.

Before becoming a mom, I spent over 10 years teaching elementary school in Canada. Diwali has always been an important part of my life, but most people outside of the South Asian community knew little about it. While teaching, I created inclusive lesson plans that were eventually adopted by the Ontario School Board, incorporating Diwali into the curriculum. I also founded the first multicultural club in my school district, providing a space where children could feel seen, heard, and safe while celebrating their cultural heritage.

When Diwali was officially recognized as a holiday by NYC last year, along with a growing number of school districts, including my own in Fairfax County, I saw the need for a book that not only explains the festival but also makes it accessible to children from all backgrounds. There was a lack of simple inclusive resources that could explain Diwali both at home and in the classroom. I wrote this book to help make Diwali more mainstream and to show that everyone can join in celebrating it.

How do you feel this book can help children better understand Diwali?

There are many common misconceptions about Diwali. For instance, many people don’t realize it’s celebrated by over a billion people worldwide and across multiple religions.

Diwali is like Christmas, New Year’s and Independence Day all together!

The book introduces the five days of celebration – each with its own meaning. Whether a child already celebrates Diwali or is completely new to it, the book simplifies the history and cultural significance in an inclusive way that’s easy for kids to understand and connect with.

I can promise that no matter who picks up this book—whether it’s a child, teenager, or adult, and whether you’ve celebrated Diwali before or not—you’ll discover something new. Even after years of teaching Diwali, I learned something new while writing this book!

In what ways did you draw from personal experiences to prepare this book?

When I was growing up, Diwali often felt isolating. I was the only one in my school who celebrated, and that sense of being different made me feel alone, like there was this big part of me that no one really understood. I never wanted my own children, or any other kids who celebrate, to feel that same sense of sadness and isolation. Writing this book was my way of creating something that could bridge that gap—so kids who celebrate feel seen, and those who don’t, can understand the significance of Diwali. My hope is that one day, wishing someone a Happy Diwali will feel just as natural as saying Merry Christmas. When people feel acknowledged and seen, it means so much to them.

With more school districts now observing Diwali as a holiday, why is it important for people of all backgrounds to understand Diwali?

Belonging comes from feeling like all parts of yourself and your identity are seen. It’s something I’ve been writing and talking about for some time. Understanding Diwali and its traditions not only helps kids who do celebrate feel like they belong in a community, it also helps all of us have more empathy and understanding for one another. I think most parents want their kids to learn these life skills at school and understanding Diwali is a part of building that empathy in kids and adults.

Belonging comes from feeling that all parts of who yourself and your identity are seen. When I was younger, I didn’t always feel that way, especially around Diwali. It’s why I’ve made it a personal mission to create spaces where everyone feels seen. With more schools recognizing Diwali, it’s a huge step in helping kids who celebrate feel that sense of belonging. But it’s also about teaching empathy and understanding for one another. When kids and adults learn about Diwali, they aren’t just learning about a holiday—they’re learning to appreciate and respect each other’s differences. And I believe that’s something every parent wants for their children.

What kind of work did it take to prepare and publish this book?

It took a lot of collaboration and support to bring this book to life. I was fortunate to work with an experienced publishing team at A Kids Co. and DK Penguin Random House, both of whom had a strong background in children’s books. Being part of a series with over 170 titles also meant I had a solid foundation to build on. But beyond the professional team, I leaned heavily on my community—both parents and kids. They volunteered as early readers, providing invaluable feedback to help shape the story and ensure it resonated. My own kids and family played a huge part in this too, helping me craft the book in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.

I also worked with several sensitivity readers to ensure the book was as inclusive as possible. Their feedback helped make the story respectable and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. And, of course, we went through a rigorous fact-checking process to make sure we got every detail just right!

Do you have any upcoming events planned to promote the book?

Yes! The exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part of writing a book tied to a holiday is that there’s a very specific window when everyone cares about it. As you can imagine, September and October are packed with events leading up to Diwali on November 1st (the date shifts slightly each year).

I’ll be attending a Diwali celebration at the Kennedy Center, a Diwali Mela in Howard County, and visiting various elementary schools in the DMV as a guest author. In New York, I’ll be attending Mayor Eric Adams’ Diwali reception at Gracie Mansion, participating in literary festivals, and hosting events at the MOMA, CMOM, Asia Society, the Rubin Museum, Pier 57, and the NY Public Library. In New Jersey, I’ll be doing story time at the annual Diwali Play Date. I’m also collaborating with Diwali on the Hudson, a major fundraiser near Times Square, and the Boston Theater Puppet Show.

On top of all that, we’re working on an exciting promotion with Disney at their Diwali Dance Fest, where dance teams from across the country will perform! And fingers crossed, I’m hoping to be invited to the White House Diwali Reception—it would truly be a dream come true for me!

What do you like about living in Vienna? Do you have any favorite places or businesses?

I absolutely love living in Vienna/Oakton! It’s a close-knit community where everyone feels connected, with a friendly small-town vibe and with access to everything you need. My family enjoys playing soccer at Nottoway Park and attending events on the Town Green. We love taking our Mini Goldendoodle J.J. for walks on the W&OD trail. For local favorites, the first place I check for recommendations is the Vienna Foodies Facebook Group by Lydia Russo! My go-to spots are 29th Parallel for coffee, Chit Chaat Café for snacks, Mama Tigre for its Mexican-Indian fusion, live music at Wolf Trap, and cocktails at Bear Branch Tavern.

I love supporting local shops like Vienna Vintner and Wardrobe Rescue. The Farmers Market is a weekend favorite. It’s truly a wonderfully diverse place to raise a family, with great schools, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community!

For more information on Chhavi Arya Bhargava and her new book, visit Bookaboutdiwali.com or her Instragram page @chhavidc. If you are a local author publishing a book, email [email protected] to inquire about a feature article.