Diwali Crossword Puzzle (Free Printable + Answer Key)

This Diwali crossword puzzle is a fun fall classroom activity for 3rd–8th grade students, with clues covering Diya, Rangoli, Lakshmi, and Ganesha. Free printable worksheet with answer key included.

						L	I	G	H	T	S
								A			W
			C					N			E
			L					E			E
F	I	R	E	W	O	R	K	S			T
			A					H			S
			N		R	A	M	A
		D	I	Y	A				A
			N		N				Y
			G		G				O
					O				D
					L	A	K	S	H	M	I
					I				Y
									A

Across

What Diwali is the festival of
Bright bursts that light up the night sky
Prince whose return home many celebrate at Diwali
Small clay oil lamp lit for the festival
Hindu goddess of wealth honored at Diwali

Down

Elephant-headed god who removes obstacles
Treats shared with family and friends
Getting the house spotless before the festival
Colorful pattern made on the floor
City Rama returned to, lit with lamps

About Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, usually in October or November. Over five days, families light clay lamps called diyas, decorate floors with colorful rangoli, share sweets, and set off fireworks. For many Hindus, it celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali Vocabulary

This crossword covers Diwali traditions: lighting the DIYA, making RANGOLI, honoring LAKSHMI and GANESHA, the story of RAMA returning to AYODHYA, and celebrating with LIGHTS, FIREWORKS, and SWEETS.

How to Use This Crossword in Class

Use this crossword to introduce Diwali, then have students design their own rangoli pattern on paper using symmetry. Invite students who celebrate to share their family's traditions if they would like to.

Printable Diwali Crossword Worksheet

Click the Print Worksheet button to print this diwali crossword. The printable version includes the grid and clues, perfect for classroom handouts or homework.

Copy and Customize This Crossword

Want to change the words, edit the clues, or adjust the appearance? Click Copy & Edit to save a copy of this puzzle to your account and open it in the crossword maker. From there you can add or remove words, rewrite any clue, choose a background color or pattern, and save your modified version with its own shareable link. Signing in or creating a free account is required to copy a puzzle.