Diwali Word Search
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and it is a favourite topic in Indian classrooms every October and November. This free Diwali word search hides 16 festival words, from diya and rangoli to Dhanteras and Ayodhya, in a grid you can print or share.
Use the list as it is, or change the words to match what your class has read. Pick a difficulty, download a PDF with an answer key, or send students a link to play on a phone, tablet or computer.
Ideas for your class
- Before the puzzle, ask students what each word means and where it fits in the Diwali story.
- Choose Easy for Classes 1 and 2 (words only go across and down) and Hard for older students, where words can also run backwards.
- Make it a race: the first pair to find every word reads the list aloud and uses each word in a sentence.
- Pair it with a bingo game or crossword using the same words for a festive language lesson.
Questions teachers ask
Is this Diwali word search free?
Yes. There's no sign-up. Download the PDF, print as many copies as you need, or share the online version with your class.
Which classes is it suitable for?
The ready-made list suits Classes 2 to 5. For younger children choose Easy and keep fewer, shorter words; for older students choose Hard, where words can run in any direction.
Can I add my own words?
Yes. Edit the list (one word per line) and the puzzle updates straight away. Words with spaces, like Bhai Dooj, are hidden without the space.
Does the PDF include an answer key?
Yes. Page one is the puzzle with its word list, and page two is the answer key with every word highlighted.