Nine Days and Nine Activities for Children during Navratri
Exploring Indian Culture and Traditions
Navratri is a lively and colorful festival celebrated in India. It is dedicated to worshipping the Hindu goddess Durga and her various forms. Engaging children in Navratri celebrations can be an excellent way to introduce them to Indian culture, traditions, and spirituality.
The Navratri Celebration Project is an initiative aimed at helping children understand the cultural significance of Navratri. It involves engaging children in a variety of hands-on activities, arts and crafts, storytelling, and music to help them better grasp the customs and traditions associated with the festival.
This project will explore nine fun and educational activities for elementary and middle school-going children during Navratri.
Durga Puja Storytime:
Objective: Introduce children to Goddess Durga’sDurga’sand NavratrNavratri’sicance.
Materials Needed: Picture books about Durga Puja and storytelling props (optional). Description: Gather children in a circle and read aloud age-appropriate stories about Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. Use props or visuals to bring the story to life and encourage children to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Dandiya Dance Workshop:
Objective: Teach children basic Dandiya dance steps and rhythms.
Materials Needed: Wooden sticks (for pretend Dandiya), upbeat Navratri music
Description: Set up a dance area and demonstrate simple Dandiya dance steps to the children. Please encourage them to follow along and dance to the music. Play traditional Navratri songs and let the children express themselves through movement and rhythm.
Rangoli Making:
Objective: Encourage children to create colorful Rangoli designs inspired by Navratri.
Materials Needed: Colored chalk or powdered colors, stencils (optional).
Description: Provide children with a large sheet of paper or cardboard and let them use colored chalk or powdered colors to create their own Rangoli designs. Teach them about different Rangoli patterns and symbols commonly used during Navratri.
Durga Idol Crafting:
Objective: Allow children to express their creativity by making their own Durga idols.
Materials Needed: Clay or playdough, craft supplies (googly eyes, feathers, beads, etc.)
Description: Provide children with clay or playdough and encourage them to sculpt their Durga idols. Provide craft supplies for decorating, such as googly eyes, feathers, beads, and glitter. Discuss the significance of Durga idols in Navratri celebrations.
Navratri Food Tasting:
The objective is to introduce children to traditional Navratri foods and flavors. Materials Needed: Assorted Navratri snacks (such as Chakli, Sabudana Khichdi, and Kuttu Ke Pakode).
Description: Prepare various Navratri snacks and treats for children to sample. Please encourage them to try new flavors and textures while discussing the significance of certain foods during Navratri fasting.
Garba Circle Time:
Objective: Engage children in a traditional Garba dance circle.
Materials Needed: Traditional Garba music
Description: Form a circle with the children and play traditional Garba music. Teach them simple Garba dance steps and encourage them to circle together. Emphasize the importance of community and celebration during Navratri.
Dress-Up Parade:
Objective: Allow children to dress in traditional Indian attire and parade around.
Materials Needed: Dress-up clothes (saris, dhotis, dupattas, etc.)
Description: Provide children with dress-up clothes and accessories in traditional Indian styles. Please encourage them to dress up and parade around, showcasing their outfits and embracing the festive spirit of Navratri.
Navratri Craft Corner:
Objective: Encourage children to get creative with Navratri-themed crafts.
Materials Needed: Construction paper, markers, stickers, glitter, etc.
Description: Set up a craft corner with various art supplies and encourage children to create Navratri-themed artwork. They can make greeting cards, paper lanterns, or decorative garlands to adorn the space.
Navratri Quiz Time:
Objective: Test the children of Navratri with a fun quiz.
Materials Needed: Quiz questions (about Navratri history, traditions, etc.), prizes (optional).
Description: Organize a quiz session where children can answer questions about Navratri. Prepare a list of age-appropriate questions and ask them in a quiz format. Offer small prizes for correct answers to keep the children engaged and motivated.
The Navratri Celebration Project offers a rich and engaging experience for six and seven-year-olds to learn about Indian culture, traditions, and spirituality through various fun and educational activities. By participating in storytelling, dance, art, food tasting, and more, children can develop a deeper appreciation for Navratri and the values it represents.
