Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu tradition that is centuries old. It has references in the epic Mahabharata. It is a holiday that celebrates love, unity, and bond of protection between siblings and loved ones. Since it follows Lunar calendar, the date differs every year. This year Raksha Bandhan is on August 30th, 2023. A sacred thread called a “Raakhi,” is tied on the wrist of a loved one in a ceremony filled and sweets are Read more…
As a mom of a craft-loving 6-year-old, I love creating DIY things from items on hand to get my son in the mood of a holiday or celebration. To commemorate Indian Independence Day on August 15th, explain the journey of India and how it attained freedom from British rule, we did a craft. I decided to look into my pantry instead of my craft drawer for supplies. Found these colorful TicTacs and voila, I had Read more…
As summer rolls around and the kids spend more time at home, there’s that challenge of keeping them occupied and engaged in meaningful activities. I’ve found some new practical and creative ways to keep them entertained, stimulated and happy–all without technology! Exploration AKA Get Scrappy With It! My personal favorite – to build your own pencil/craft box. You can use an old shoebox, scraps and have your child decorate it with stickers, cutouts and Read more…
Summer is here and that means wedding season is in full effect. Attending a South Asian wedding is hands-down one of my favorite experiences. They’re filled with love, beautiful traditions, vibrant colors, music and dance! However, when you have children in tow, ensuring they stay entertained throughout the festivities can be a challenge. Plus, if your weddings have multiple events or long ceremonies, then you know the struggle. The constant monitoring or chasing can be Read more…
Holi, the festival of colors, will be celebrated on March 8th this year. Families and friends will be celebrating over the next two weeks. If you are looking for ideas on how to host a neighborhood friendly event please keep reading. 1: Send Invitations 2: Create a Holi Song Playlist 3: Create a street food menu 4: Make a pitcher of virgin thandai 5: Convey dress code – White 6: Gather gulal, water and pichkari’s Read more…
Holi, known as the festival of color, is quickly approaching. This festival represents the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. This year Holi is celebrated on March 8th. As a parent, I know I am searching to find non- toxic colors, that can be safe for my children’s sensitive skin. In India dry colors are called gulal, and wet colors are called rang. Pichkaris or water soakers are used to mix Read more…
Today is National Puzzle Day. Every year it is celebrated on January 29th. Puzzles can be fun and therapeutic at the same time. They allow you to exercise your brain, which is just one of the many benefits of puzzles. Puzzles come in many different forms, whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, trivia, word searches, brain teasers or sudoku, puzzles can put our minds to work. Working on jigsaw puzzles can use both sides of the Read more…
India Republic Day is a day to celebrate India’s transition to a sovereign republic. It’s the day the constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. India Republic Day is one of only three national holidays in India. This day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. To commemorate the 74th Republic Day we made a playdoh rangoli. Materials Needed: Read more…
Throughout Asia and it’s neighboring countries, the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year is the most widely celebrated, and one of the most important holiday’s in East Asia. It marks the start of the new year based on the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar is a dating system based on the monthly cycle of the moon’s phases. This year, Lunar New Year is celebrated on January 22, 2023. There are countries that Read more…
Happy Uttarayan! As we celebrate the festival of many names there are many ways to celebrate it. Our last craft was a STEM activity making a sundial. Let’s take that sundial and repurpose it into a kite. Material Needs: Sundial Scissors Popsicle Sticks Yarn Paint Paint brushes Hole puncher Water cup/Water Tape (optional) Ribbon (optional) Step 1: Cut the middle part of your plate out, leaving enough room to paint and punch holes Step 2: Read more…