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Sundial Craft for Makar Sankranti

Several Harvest festivals are celebrated across India between January 13th – January 16th. Lohri, Magh Bihu, Sankranth, Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Uttrayan, Pongal, are some of the celebrations observed during this time. All these festivals honor the Sun and the harvesting of the crops. This time marks the transition of the Sun from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere on this day. This festival is celebrated with dances, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts. The beginning Read more…

Introduce Lohri with a Bonfire Craft

Lohri is a popular winter Punjabi folk festival celebrated primarily in Northern India.  It is believed by many that the festival marks the passing of the winter solstice.  Lohri marks the end of winter, and is a traditional welcome of longer days. It celebrates the harvest and the abundance that this time of year brings with the crops. It is observed the night before Maghi, also known as Makar Sankranti.  This year Lohri will be Read more…

5 tips on Hosting a Diwali Party

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 Classroom activity ideas

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…

5 Ways to celebrate Navratri with Kids

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…

Navratri

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…

Rangoli

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…

Ganesh Mosaic Art

Ganesha Chaturthi – Ganesha Mosaic Art Activity

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 Craft – DIY Puja Thali

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…

Bridal Mehndi

Bridal Mehndi – Henna

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…