Fun Ways to Get Kids Involved in Deepavali Traditions!

Deepavali is a wonderful time for families to come together, and it’s even more special when kids get involved in the festivities. Engaging children in the traditions not only keeps them entertained but also helps them connect with the cultural significance of the festival. Here are some fun and easy ways to include your kids in Deepavali celebrations this year!

1. DIY Paper Lanterns

Source: Shumee.in

Kids love crafts, and making colorful paper lanterns is a great way to let them express their creativity. You can help them cut out shapes, fold paper, and decorate the lanterns with glitter or stickers. Hang them around the house to add a festive touch!

What You’ll Need:

• Colored paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stickers, glitter, and markers for decoration

How to Do It:

• Fold a sheet of colored paper in half.
• Cut small slits along the folded edge, leaving a margin at the ends.
• Unfold the paper and glue the two short edges together to form a cylinder.
• Add a handle on top with a strip of paper, and your lantern is ready!

2. Simple Rangoli Designs

Source : Iyer Traditions

Introduce kids to the art of rangoli by teaching them basic patterns they can fill in with colored powders or flower petals. Start with easy shapes like circles, stars, or even their favorite animals. For younger children, use chalk or stencils to help them get the hang of it.

What You’ll Need:

• Chalk or white flour for outlines
• Colored powders, flower petals, or even rice
• Stencils (optional)

How to Do It:

• Draw simple shapes on the floor or use stencils to outline patterns.
• Let the kids fill in the designs with vibrant colors or petals.
• Keep the designs small to make it easier for little hands to manage.

3. Storytime: The Legends of Deepavali

Source : istock

Gather your kids for a cozy storytelling session where you can share the different tales behind Deepavali. Use picture books or fun props like puppets to make the stories more engaging. Like the ones we have on Nimbu! You can tell them about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya or the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Tip:
After the story, ask your kids to draw a scene or their favorite character from the tale. This will help them remember the story and connect with the festival's meaning.

4. Make Your Own Diyas

Source : wordpress.com

Decorating diyas (small oil lamps) is a fun activity that kids can easily do. You can buy plain clay diyas and let your children paint them with bright colors. Once dry, they can be lit up around the house on Deepavali night, creating a sense of pride and excitement for your little ones.

What You’ll Need:

• Plain clay diyas
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Glitter and embellishments (optional)

How to Do It:

• Let your kids paint the diyas with their favorite colors.
• Once the paint is dry, add some glitter or small gems for extra sparkle.
• Place a wick inside the diyas, fill them with oil, and light them up!

5. Sweets-Making Fun

Source : alamy

Deepavali is all about sweets, and what better way to get kids involved than by letting them help in the kitchen? Choose easy-to-make treats like ladoos or coconut barfis that they can roll into shape. This not only gets them excited about the festival but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.

What You’ll Need:

• Simple ingredients for ladoos or barfi (like condensed milk, coconut, or semolina)
• A safe space for kids to roll and shape the sweets

How to Do It:

• Mix the ingredients to create the dough for ladoos or barfi.
• Let your kids roll the dough into small balls or press it into molds.
• Decorate with nuts or sprinkles before serving!

6. Dress-Up and Photo Fun

Heer Paisley Pink and Pink Lehenga with Angrakha Choli and Dupatta Sets

Kids love dressing up, and Deepavali is the perfect time for it! Let them pick out their favorite traditional outfits hopefully from one of Nimbu's many ethnic wear collection and have a mini photo session at home. You can create a festive backdrop with diyas, lanterns, and rangoli to make it even more special.

What You’ll Need:

• Traditional outfits like lehengas, kurtas, or saris
• A festive corner with decorations for photos
• Camera or phone for capturing memories

7. Deepavali Cards for Family and Friends

Source : whatscookingmom.in

Get creative with homemade Deepavali cards. Set up a little crafting station with colored paper, crayons, and stickers, and let your kids design cards to send to family and friends. This not only keeps them busy but also teaches them the joy of giving and spreading love during the festival.

What You’ll Need:

• Cardstock or colored paper
• Markers, crayons, and stickers
• Envelopes for mailing

How to Do It:

• Fold the paper in half to make a card.
• Let the kids decorate the front with drawings or stickers.
• Help them write a simple message inside, wishing family and friends a happy Deepavali.

Including kids in Deepavali traditions is a wonderful way to help them understand the cultural significance of the festival while having fun. From crafts to cooking, these activities will make Deepavali extra special for your little ones—and create lasting memories for the whole family!

Thanks for reading and how about sharing your favorite Deepavali memories over at our Instagram @nimbukids!