People have been living on the Indian subcontinent for 250,000 years! Currently there are over 1.3 billion people living in the Republic of India, making it the second most populous country in the world next to China. Learn more with Storyboard That!
Hinduism is practiced by about 1.2 billion people worldwide and is the world's third largest religion. Today, people who practice Hinduism can be found throughout the world but it originated in India and Hindus make up 80-90% of India's population today. Hinduism has fascinating customs, festive holidays, and wise teachings about the individual and the universe.
There are many wonderful stories, legends and fables related to ancient India that make the history come alive for children. This story is called Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali and tells how the Hindu holiday Diwali came to be! Students can enjoy hearing the story and then retelling the tale using a illustrations and descriptions in a storyboard!
Storyboard Text
RAMA AND SITA: THE STORY OF DIWALI
SITA IS KIDNAPPED
THE MONKEY KING
The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic written in Sanskrit about Prince Rama and his beloved wife Sita. It is believed to have been written by the sage Valmiki around 500 BCE to 100 BCE.
RAVANA IS DEFEATED
Rama was the next heir to the throne, however his stepmother banished him and his wife to the enchanted forest for 14 years so that her son could become king. While living in the forest, Sita was kidnapped by the evil demon Ravana!
RETURNING HOME
Rama enlisted the help of the powerful Monkey King, Hanuman, to rescue his love! The Monkey King searched for Sita and found her in the gardens of Ravana's palace.
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Monkey King helped to rescue Sita but the evil Ravana lit his tail on fire! Rama fought Ravana for many days before he was finally able to defeat him with a special weapon given to him by the gods.
Rama and Sita were reunited! Their 14 year exile was over and they returned victorious to their homeland. The people welcomed them and Rama finally took his rightful place on the throne.
To show their support, the people lit diyas (clay oil lamps) in their windows to guide the beloved couple home. The Hindu holiday Diwali celebrates Rama and Sita's homecoming every year with a five day festival of lights!