Diwali Word Search (Free Printable + Answer Key)

This Diwali word search is a fun fall classroom activity for 3rd–8th grade students, featuring words like Diya, Rangoli, Lakshmi, and Ganesha. Free printable worksheet with answer key included.

N	P	X	L	A	K	S	H	M	I	Q	W
S	A	U	G	N	A	Y	O	D	H	Y	A
L	X	G	K	L	D	I	Y	A	G	X	G
I	E	X	Q	O	F	P	L	A	S	G	P
G	M	K	T	J	I	V	E	P	V	P	V
H	I	B	C	R	A	N	G	O	L	I	T
T	L	I	M	C	P	D	G	V	Y	U	P
S	J	V	O	C	L	E	A	N	I	N	G
Q	Y	F	I	R	E	W	O	R	K	S	P
S	X	C	U	R	Y	R	A	M	A	P	W
Q	B	S	W	E	E	T	S	M	Y	X	H
C	I	C	Z	G	A	N	E	S	H	A	F

Word List

DIYA: A small clay lamp filled with oil and a cotton wick. Rows of diyas light homes during Diwali.
RANGOLI: A colorful design made on the floor or ground with colored powder, rice, or flower petals to welcome guests.
LAKSHMI: The Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune. Families clean and light their homes to welcome her.
GANESHA: The Hindu god with an elephant's head, honored at the start of new beginnings and often worshipped with Lakshmi at Diwali.
RAMA: A Hindu god and hero of the epic Ramayana. Many celebrate Diwali as the day Rama returned home after defeating the demon king Ravana.
AYODHYA: The ancient city that, in the Ramayana, welcomed Rama home with rows of lamps.
FIREWORKS: Explosives that make colorful lights and loud bangs. Fireworks light up the sky on Diwali night.
SWEETS: Sugary treats like ladoo and barfi, shared and given as gifts during Diwali.
LIGHTS: Sources of brightness. Diwali is called the festival of lights because homes glow with lamps and candles.
CLEANING: Making a place neat and tidy. Families clean their homes before Diwali to welcome good fortune.

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 word search 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 Word Search in Class

Use this word search 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 Word Search Worksheet

Click the print button to print this diwali word search. The printable version includes the puzzle grid and word list, perfect for classroom handouts or homework.

Try the Crossword Version

Diwali Crossword

More Holidays word searches | Make your own word search

N	P	X	L	A	K	S	H	M	I	Q	W
S	A	U	G	N	A	Y	O	D	H	Y	A
L	X	G	K	L	D	I	Y	A	G	X	G
I	E	X	Q	O	F	P	L	A	S	G	P
G	M	K	T	J	I	V	E	P	V	P	V
H	I	B	C	R	A	N	G	O	L	I	T
T	L	I	M	C	P	D	G	V	Y	U	P
S	J	V	O	C	L	E	A	N	I	N	G
Q	Y	F	I	R	E	W	O	R	K	S	P
S	X	C	U	R	Y	R	A	M	A	P	W
Q	B	S	W	E	E	T	S	M	Y	X	H
C	I	C	Z	G	A	N	E	S	H	A	F

N	P	X	L	A	K	S	H	M	I	Q	W
S	A	U	G	N	A	Y	O	D	H	Y	A
L	X	G	K	L	D	I	Y	A	G	X	G
I	E	X	Q	O	F	P	L	A	S	G	P
G	M	K	T	J	I	V	E	P	V	P	V
H	I	B	C	R	A	N	G	O	L	I	T
T	L	I	M	C	P	D	G	V	Y	U	P
S	J	V	O	C	L	E	A	N	I	N	G
Q	Y	F	I	R	E	W	O	R	K	S	P
S	X	C	U	R	Y	R	A	M	A	P	W
Q	B	S	W	E	E	T	S	M	Y	X	H
C	I	C	Z	G	A	N	E	S	H	A	F