Celebrating Diwali with Your Kids
Diwali, Deepavali, or the Hindu Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most widely recognized holidays and is celebrated by various religions across the Indian diaspora. Each religion celebrates and participates in this holiday in its own special way. It’s more commonly known as the celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Many families worldwide celebrate Diwali and create lasting memories and traditions. There are several ways to celebrate Diwali with your little ones, and we’ve gathered some fun ways to honor this beautiful cultural celebration with your kids this year and beyond.
Psst.. check out the 10 Family Friendly Diwali Events In and Around Westchester
Create Decorations
Rangoli
Rangoli is an ancient Hindu art form from India, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rangavalli,’ meaning rows of colors. It is created in homes, courtyards, and sometimes on walls to celebrate special occasions.
Rangoli is traditionally viewed as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, serving to welcome guests. It is believed to invite the blessings of the Gods into the home. To create a Rangoli, families can outline a pattern using chalk or a pencil on the ground, traditionally in front of the entrance of your home. The design can be filled with colorful powders and with a lot of things that can be found right in your pantry. Richlandlibrary.com has shared some wonderful ways to create your own Rangoli.
Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are also commonly used during the celebration of Diwali, and families can make this a family activity by creating their own lanterns and hanging them around their homes.
Create Diwali Greeting Cards
Diwali is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Nothing shows adoration and love like a personalized greeting card. One of the beautiful things about Diwali is that this celebration is full of color, celebrating life and hope, so creating colorful personalized cards with your little ones will not only make for a great activity but can also be a great way to share in the positivity that’s spread throughout this celebration.
Diya Painting
Diya painting is the art of decorating traditional Indian clay oil lamps, known as diyas, which are significant in Indian culture and spirituality and often used in ceremonies and rituals. The warm glow of a diya symbolizes enlightenment and prosperity. Diya painting has been a tradition in Indian culture that continues to be significant today. It’s a beautiful tradition that can bring the entire family together. Kids can join in on the fun and paint their own Diya’s that will be displayed throughout their homes. You can even make a night of it and invite the family over for a night of Diya painting.
Read Books about Diwali
Learning about Diwali through storytelling is another great way to celebrate with your little ones. Tell them all of your favorite stories on Diwali, or choose from some great children’s books that highlight and celebrate this incredible holiday. Here are some of our picks.
Diya is excited to travel to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, to reunite with her beloved grandma, Nani, whom she hasn’t seen since moving away. Upon arrival, Diya feels at home as they shop at the bazaar and prepare for the festival together. Celebrating Diwali fills her heart with joy, but as her trip nears its end, she wonders how she can carry some of the light and magic of the festival with her.
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday, yet she struggles to find the right words. Taking a deep breath, she begins to describe the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving vibrant streaks of gold, red, and green. She shares the delicious flavors of pedas and jalebis and tells her classmates about the clay lamps, known as diyas, that look so pretty, prompting oohs and aahs from the children.
As Diwali approaches, Ariana feels the excitement building in her heart. This year, she’s determined to make the celebration unforgettable for her family. The smell of sweet treats wafts through the air as she and her family whip up traditional sweets, each bite a symbol of love and togetherness. The evening’s festivities include lighting the diyas, casting a warm glow throughout their home, and illuminating the joyous spirit of the festival. Despite her brother Rafi’s playful antics that often lead to mishaps, Ariana learns that the true essence of Diwali lies in the laughter they share and the bonds they strengthen.
Host a Diwali Celebration
Invite the entire family over for a full day of celebrating Diwali. Gather round and share traditional stories with every member of the family. Share in making crafts, decorations, and traditional treats like halwa, ladoos, gulab jamoon, and more. The Food Network has shared recipes for some traditional indulgent desserts that the entire family will love.
Diwali is a time to come together and give back; sharing in these traditions with your little ones will continue the fun for generations to come.
