Title: Lights for the Jamuna – A Diwali Story
Author: Mamta Nainy
Illustrator: Bhavana D.
Publisher: Talking Cub (an imprint of Speaking Tiger Books)
Type: Paperback
Length: 60 pages
Recommended Age: 8 years+ (publisher’s recommendation is 10 years+)
Set in Shahjahanabad during the reign of Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela, this story takes us back to a time when the city is bustling with activity in preparation for Diwali. The gullies are filled with artisans busy at work, and Meera, the daughter of potters, is excited to learn about the emperor’s plans to light a grand Akash Diya atop a tall tower.
But Meera has a different idea. What if the Jamuna, the lifeline of the city, could be lit up with floating diyas too? And when she learns that rulers make decisions while commoners are expected to follow them, she finds herself questioning this very idea. Shouldn’t everyone get a chance to put forth their thoughts? This is when she learns about an arzi – a petition that people can submit to the king to bring their concerns and requests to his attention. This little detail becomes an important turning point in the story, giving Meera a way to take her idea forward.
What follows is a beautiful story of children, their determination, teamwork, problem-solving and the courage to question things instead of simply accepting them as they are.
What I loved most about this book is how it celebrates the power of an idea and the determination to see it through. Meera and her friends don’t just dream big; they put their heads together, divide responsibilities, experiment, test their ideas and keep going despite setbacks. Just when they think they have everything figured out, a new challenge comes their way. The children’s efforts are conveyed so beautifully that you find yourself unconsciously rooting for them and hoping their plan succeeds. The writing keeps you invested in their journey, making this a genuinely gripping read.
Another thing that deserves a special mention is the setting. The author brings Shahjahanabad to life so vividly that you can almost picture yourself walking through its gullies, watching the different artisans at work, exploring the bustling markets and standing by the Jamuna. The city isn’t just a backdrop to the story; it becomes an integral part of the experience.
And then there is the little cultural connection that made this book extra special for us. In Tamil Nadu, we don’t traditionally light rows of diyas for Diwali the way it is practised in many other parts of India. Lighting diyas is more closely associated with Karthigai, a festival that follows about a month later. But after reading this book, my daughter has decided that this Diwali she wants to light up our entire house with diyas!
As a parent, it makes me so happy to see a book spark this kind of enthusiasm and make a child want to experience something she has just read about. I’m glad we got to read this one just in time for Diwali!
The language is simple and easy to understand, making it a comfortable read for young readers. Though minimal, the illustrations are beautiful and help children follow the story and visualise the world Meera and her friends inhabit. At 60 odd pages, this is an ideal book for independent readers aged 8 and above.
If you enjoyed this review and would like to gift your child this lovely Diwali story, do order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Sindhuja and her daughter are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
