Diwali is a time to celebrate with family and friends. On Diwali day, families wear their finest new clothes, illuminate their homes with lights, eat elaborate meals, and perform religious rituals. This year, Diwali is on October 24, 2022. This is the first year where we are re-emerging from the pandemic and planning celebrations. If you are looking to host a Diwali party this year, here are 5 tips: Keep decorations simple and add a statement – Read more…
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights is on Monday, October 24th. After the last few years, our school is back to normal making it the perfect time to visit my children’s classroom. Since most classes or periods are 40 minutes to 1 hour long we have created a lesson plan to make the planning easier. Lesson Plan: Read a book Listen to the Diwali Audio Story Album Color a Rangoli printout Make a Read more…
Happy Navratri everyone! Nav means 9 and ratri means nights. Navratri honors the Divine Feminine. We honor the Divine Feminine energy and Her various forms. Goddess Maa Durga and her 9 forms protected the world against evil to restore peace and prosperity. Given the diversity of culture, languages, food and clothing across India – the Navratri celebrations look different everywhere across India. As our children get older we want to pass down our traditions and Read more…
The beats of dandiyas, the sounds of the conches at Durga Puja, the beautifully decorated Golu’s and music filled Mata Chowki’s. These are some of the sights and sounds of Navratri across India. What is Navratri? Navratri comes twice a year, in the Spring time and the Fall time. We are approaching Sharada Navratri- which falls during September – October. This year Sharada Navratri is September 26th – October 5th. Do you know what Navratri Read more…
What is Rangoli? Rangoli is an art form originating in India. It is a type of decoration drawn on the ground or sidewalk in front of a home. Rangoli is thought to bring good luck, prosperity on the house and the family, and to welcome guest. Rangoli has a purpose to “enlighten” or welcome Hindu gods to the household. One might ask what is the connection between Diwali and Rangoli. Diwali is celebrated primarily to Read more…
Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 this year. This is the Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha. His life represents prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune. We have put together a craft for children ages 1-6. This is a great way to get creative with kids while learning about the festival. You can also listen to the Ganesha Story from our Treasure Tales album while making the art. We hope you Read more…
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the Eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This year, Janmashtami is on Friday, August 19th . Krishna was born to Devaki in Mathura and spent his childhood in Vrindavan with Yashoda. We are always looking for easy ways to introduce culture to our children. As the busy fall holiday season approaches, what better craft project to do with your kids than making their own Read more…
Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is an ancient form of body art, that originated in India and across South Asia and the Middle East. Mehndi is a paste or dye made from the Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant, and is associated with good luck. The darkness of the mehndi color on a bride’s hand represents the deep love between the bride and her soon-to-be husband. Ancient tales say the color also shows the love and Read more…
August kicks off the Hindu holiday season. It also brings a favorite celebration of mine. Rakshabandhan – is the celebration of the relationship between a brother-sister, sibling love, or a relationship that is like a sibling. Raksha means protection and Bandhan means a bond. It is primarily celebrated by individuals of the Hindu religion. Rakshabandan falls on a full moon in the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. This year it’s celebrated on Thursday, Read more…
I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for activity ideas to keep my children entertained. Here is a list of some of our favorites. Play Holi Visit a zoo Create a lemonade stand Visit an amusement park or carnival Color in our rangoli coloring book Have a picnic Take a hike or nature walk Complete our Rangoli puzzle Go fruit picking Have a water balloon fight 1. Playing Holi is an easy Read more…