Ideas for Celebrating Diwali with Family

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and around the world. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. For families, it offers a beautiful opportunity to come together, share joy, and create lasting memories. This year, Diwali takes place October 31st-November 1st. At Dailies, we have students of all beliefs, backgrounds, and cultures; some of whom are preparing to celebrate Diwali! We are excited to share some kid-friendly ways to honor and celebrate this vibrant festival. 

A Brief History of Diwali: Ancient Origins

Diwali has ancient roots that date back thousands of years! While its precise origins are difficult to pinpoint, it is celebrated across different cultures and regions, each with its own unique traditions. Regardless of the cultural background, the core message of Diwali always remains the same: light, hope, and joy.

The Significance of Lights

Lights are central to Diwali celebrations. They represent purity and knowledge, dispelling darkness and ignorance. Traditionally, homes are adorned with colorful rangoli (decorative patterns made with colored powders), flowers, and, of course, diyas and candles. Fireworks are also common, symbolizing the joy of the festival.

Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Diwali

Celebrating Diwali with children can be a delightful experience, filled with fun activities that foster creativity and understanding of the festival’s significance. Here are some engaging ways to honor Diwali as a family.

1. Create Beautiful Rangoli: Gather the family and create a rangoli design together! Start by drawing an outline on the ground with chalk. Then, fill it in using colored powders, rice, or flower petals. Encourage the kids to be creative and come up with their own designs. This activity not only beautifies your home but also introduces children to an important cultural tradition. Here’s what you’ll need:
   1. Colored powders or rice
   2. Flower petals
   3. Chalk (for drawing outlines)
2. Decorate Diyas: Let the kids unleash their creativity by decorating diyas! Provide them with paints, glitter, and any other decorative items. Once they are finished, place the diyas around the house to illuminate your home for the festival. This is a great way for children to take ownership of the decorations and understand the importance of light during Diwali. Here’s what you’ll need: 
   1. Plain clay diyas (available at craft stores)
   2. Acrylic paint or glitter
   3. Paintbrushes
   4. Optional: sequins or beads
3. Make Sweet Treats: Get the kids involved in the kitchen by preparing traditional Diwali sweets. Simple recipes can be found online that are easy for children to follow. Cooking together fosters teamwork and allows children to appreciate the significance of sharing sweets during celebrations. Here are some popular Diwali Treats: 
   1. Ladoo: Sweet round balls made from chickpea flour and jaggery
   2. Barfi: Fudge made from condensed milk, sugar, and various flavors
4. Explore the Meaning of Giving: Discuss the importance of charity and giving during Diwali! Encourage your kids to select toys or clothes they no longer use and donate them to those in need. This instills the value of generosity and empathy, key components of the Diwali spirit.
5. Host a Diwali Family Party: Celebrate together with a variety of activities! Perhaps a family dance party with traditional Indian music, reading books about Diwali, and creating your own colorful crafts for decorations. All of these activities are creative ways to engage your family in artistic skills while learning about the festival!

Embracing the Festival of Light

As we shared, lights are the central component of Diwali celebrations! How can you symbolize lights in a safe, appropriate way? Setting battery-operated lights and candles out are a way to embrace the lights while remaining child-friendly. Oftentimes, Diwali celebrations will include fireworks and sparklers, too. Ensure that if you are choosing to celebrate with fireworks and sparklers, that you are following safety guidelines! Ending the day with a small display of lights opens up discussions about the significance of lights and celebrations.

Diwali is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of family, community, and the triumph of good over evil. By incorporating kid-friendly activities, you can help your children understand and appreciate the richness of this beautiful tradition. From crafting diyas to enjoying sweets and sharing stories, each moment spent together creates lasting memories and instills values that can last a lifetime.

This Diwali, let your home shine with joy, love, and light, making it a truly special celebration for the whole family. Happy Diwali!