Bonfire night, or Guy Fawkes Day, on 5 November, commemorates the foiling of Guy Fawkes' plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Children will have lots of fun creating pictures, collages and displays of fireworks, but don't forget to reinforce safety messages about bonfires and firework displays.
Divali
Divali starts this year on 14 November. Hindu and Sikh communities worldwide celebrate the symbolic return home of Rama and Sita after their exile and battle with the demon king Ravana. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is an important family festival, lasting five days, with each day having its own significance, rituals and myths. People send cards, dress in new clothes, exchange gifts and decorate their houses with lights and Diva oil lamps.
For information, see books such as A World of Festivals - Divali (Evans Brothers, 4.99), the website www.festivals.indya.com/festivals/hindu/diwali.html, and Nursery Topics on light and dark (with this week's Nursery World), which includes information on festivals associated with light, principally Divali.
Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Muslim year, begins on 16 November. Muslims spend the month fasting from sunrise to sunset - fasting is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith.
