Diwali is a wonderful time to engage children in festive fun. In this blog, we’ll explore exciting Diwali activities for kids that will help them celebrate and learn about this special festival.
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular festivals in India. It honors the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families come together to enjoy this happy occasion with lots of excitement. At Cambridge Kinderland, we focus on connecting our young ones to their cultural roots while offering a well-rounded learning experience. In this blog, we’ll share ways to celebrate Diwali with preschoolers, introducing them to the festival’s traditions and art. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” meaning “rows of lit lamps.” From learning about its history to doing fun activities, we’re ready to take children on a bright and memorable Diwali journey.
The Diwali Story
Once upon a time, there was a brave prince named Rama. He was married to a beautiful woman Sita.
There was also an evil demon king named Ravana, who had 20 arms and 10 heads. He wanted Sita to be his wife, so one day he tricked Rama and kidnapped Sita. He took her away in his chariot. Smart Sita left a path of her jewelry for Rama to follow.
As Rama followed the trail, he met Hanuman, the powerful monkey king, who agreed to help him find Sita. Hanuman sent messages to all the monkeys in the world, and they searched for Sita day and night, crossing oceans and climbing mountains.
Finally, Hanuman discovered that Sita was trapped on an island. Rama’s army of monkeys couldn’t reach the island, so they started building a bridge. Soon, animals from all over the world, big and small, came to help. Once the bridge was finished, they crossed it and fought a fierce battle for 10 days.
In the end, Rama killed the wicked Ravana with a magic arrow given to him by the gods, and everyone celebrated. As Rama and Sita began their journey back home, people lit oil lamps to guide them and welcome them back.
It is said that there were more lights shining that night than stars in the sky.
When will Diwali be celebrated in 2024?
Diwali starts on October 29, and the main celebration will be on October 31, 2024.
How Do People Celebrate Diwali?
People celebrate Diwali with lots of excitement. Preparation begins before the festival with cleaning, shopping, and more. On Diwali day, everyone does Lakshmi pujan, families gather for a party, exchange Diwali greetings, and give gifts to each other.
During the Diwali season, most homes are decorated with lights, flowers, and other festive decorations. People wear their best clothes and jewelry for Diwali pooja and beautifully wrap gifts to share with their loved ones.
Best Diwali Activities for Kids
If you celebrate Diwali and want to include your kids in the fun, or if you want to teach them more about this religious festival, there are some great Diwali activities for kids to try. These include simple craft projects, baking, or sharing stories about the festival.
1. Diwali Garland Making
A garland is an essential part of any celebration. Traditionally, marigolds are used in Diwali garlands because they represent success and new beginnings. We love this reusable pom-pom wreath that looks like marigolds and will add a cheerful touch to your home during Diwali and throughout the year.
2. Rangoli Making
The beautiful Rangoli designs in front of homes make Diwali one of the most colorful festivals! Even if your child is too young to help with real Rangoli, they can enjoy some quiet time coloring a Rangoli design on paper. This is one of the amazing diwali activities for kids. You can download and print some nice pages of Rangoli for kids.
3. Create a Paper Lantern
The word “Diwali” means “rows of lights,” and during the festival, people decorate their homes and streets with lights and oil lamps called diyas. Making a paper lantern is easy! All you need are two pieces of colored A4 paper (if you don’t have colored paper, you can color two plain sheets), glue, scissors, and some tape. You can also add paint or glitter to decorate your paper. These lanterns will look beautiful hanging around your home!
4. Make Salt Dough Diyas
Making salt dough diyas is a fun craft you can do with your kids, and it’s a popular activity in many playgroups and nurseries. These small lamps are used in festivals around the world and are easy to create. They’ll be a great addition to your Diwali celebrations.
5. Coloring Diyas
Kids can enjoy coloring diyas for Diwali, adding bright colors and creativity to the festive décor!
6. Diwali Card Making
Encourage your kids to make Diwali cards for family and friends. Give them art supplies and help them write simple, heartfelt messages inside the cards.
7. Diwali Storytelling
Diwali comes with exciting stories about the victory of good over evil. Have a storytelling session with kids as one of the Diwali activities for kindergarten. This will enhance listening skills of kids.
Share the story of Lord Rama’s bravery and how he defeated the powerful Ravana, how Lord Krishna conquered the demon Narakasura, and how Lord Vishnu defeated the demon king Bali and sent him to rule over hell.
8. Fireworks Safety
If you plan to use fireworks for your Diwali celebration, it’s important to focus on fireworks safety for kids. Talk about the dangers of fireworks and make sure your kids understand that they need adult supervision when using them.
9. Traditional Prayer
Finish your Diwali celebration with a traditional prayer ceremony. Light a diya, offer sweets, and pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
10. Play Dough Rangoli Mandalas
These play dough Rangoli Mandalas are great for sensory play. You can use natural materials like seeds and dried beans to make beautiful patterns on the play dough. This activity is also excellent for helping kids develop their fine motor skills.
Diwali Activities For Kids- Festive Wrap-Up:
Celebrating Diwali with preschoolers can be a wonderful experience. It helps them connect with their cultural heritage and teaches important lessons about sharing, caring, and the triumph of good over evil. Through activities like cooking, arts and crafts, dressing up, music, and spending time with family, preschoolers can truly feel the spirit of Deepavali.
So, don’t hesitate to join in the celebrations with your little ones this Diwali. Guide and inspire them to create special memories that will last forever. As we light the lamps and enjoy the sweets of this festival, may Diwali bring happiness, light, and togetherness to your family, filling your hearts and homes with love and tradition. Happy Diwali!
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