Diyas at Circle Time
Written by Anjali Joshi
Illustrated by Tim Palin
Published by Modern Marigold Books
A Celebration of South Asian Festivals Around Diwali Time
Harini can’t wait to share her family’s Diwali traditions with her class. To her surprise, her friends Amrit, Dhiman, and Urvi are dressed up as well! Harini learns about other South Asian festivals-Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, and Jain Deepavali-and the stories behind them. Harini notices shared traditions, like lighting clay diyas and exchanging gifts, and differences as well, like making pets feel extra special. When their classmate Anna feels left out, Harini and her friends find a sweet way to include her in the celebrations.
Primary ISBN: 9781949528008
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American, Nepali/Nepali American, Various (South Asian)
Themes: Celebrations, Celebrations: Bandi Chhor Divas, Celebrations: Diwali, Celebrations: Tihar, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Clothing, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Religious Background: Hindu, Religious Background: Jain, Religious Background: Sikh
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.