FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moving Beyond Sparklers: New Children’s Book Explores the Five-Day Arc of Diwali
SAN DIEGO, CA — October 20, 2026 —
Author Aditi Srivastava Modi takes young readers beyond the familiar lights and festivities to explore how Diwali unfolds, what its rituals represent, and the stories behind the Hindu Festival of Lights.
Diwali is instantly recognizable through glowing diyas, colorful rangoli, sweets, new clothes, and fireworks. But behind the visual celebration is a five-day festival shaped by distinct observances, religious narratives, family relationships, and traditions passed across generations.
In her new children’s book, Happy Diwali: A Hindu Festival of Lights, published by Su Che Publishing, author Aditi Srivastava Modi introduces young readers to that fuller celebration.
Rather than presenting Diwali as a single night of lights and fireworks, Happy Diwali follows the festival across its five days, from Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj. Readers encounter traditions surrounding preparation, prayer, family, prosperity, and renewal, alongside stories including Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the blessings associated with Goddess Lakshmi.
“Diwali is visually captivating for children—the lights, the sweets, the colors—but that is only the beginning,” said Modi. “A diya is more than something beautiful we light. It connects to the story of Rama returning to Ayodhya and to the idea of light overcoming darkness. When children learn where these traditions come from, the celebration becomes something they can understand rather than simply observe.”
The book continues Modi’s growing body of work exploring Indian culture for young readers. Her previous titles have introduced children to Lohri, Holi, Vaisakhi, Rath Yatra, and Raksha Bandhan.
Taken together, the books move beyond the most recognizable symbols of each festival to examine how celebrations developed, how families observe them, and why particular rituals and relationships matter.
That context is especially relevant for families raising children outside India, where cultural traditions may not be reinforced through everyday community life. It also gives librarians, educators, and families unfamiliar with the celebrations an accessible entry point into Indian culture.
“For many families, the challenge isn’t keeping the celebration alive—we already celebrate,” Modi said. “The harder part can be making sure the next generation understands why we do what we do. I want children to have answers when they start asking those questions.”
For additional information about Aditi Srivastava Modi and her books, visit www.aditisrivastavamodibooks.com
Availability & Formats
Happy Diwali: A Hindu Festival of Lights is available in paperback and eBook editions.
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-90182-009-4
eBook ISBN: 979-8-90182-008-7
Happy Diwali: A Hindu Festival of Lights is distributed globally through Ingram, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, and other book retailers.
About the Author
Aditi Srivastava Modi, also known by her stage name Itida, is a multidisciplinary artist and author. Her work spans music and literature, with a focus on cultural learning, heritage, and artistic expression.
As the author of Happy Holi: A Hindu Festival of Colors, Happy Lohri: A Punjabi Harvest And Winter Festival Celebration, Happy Vaisakhi: A Punjabi Harvest Festival and the Birth of the Khalsa, Happy Rath Yatra: The Festival of Chariots, Happy Raksha Bandhan: The Hindu Festival of Sibling Bond and Protection, and now Happy Diwali: A Hindu Festival of Lights, she aims to bridge the gap between tradition and the modern world for children everywhere.
Learn more at www.aditisrivastavamodibooks.com.
About Su Che Publishing, LLC
Su Che Publishing, LLC is an independent publishing company based in San Diego, California. The company focuses on creating high-quality children’s books that celebrate culture and festivals. Its goal is to share cultural traditions in a way that is engaging, colorful, and accessible to the next generation. By focusing on authentic details and regional traditions, Su Che Publishing helps families preserve and share their heritage through reading and cultural learning.
For more information, visit www.suchepublishing.com.
Media Contact
Su Che Publishing Media Team