Durga Puja is more than a festival — it’s an emotion. This festival brings the city and country together and binds everyone with unconditional love for Goddess Durga. It’s also a time where our children experience the fervour and joys of Maa, dhaak, dhunuchi and the excitement of visiting pandals. Pujo offers a fantastic canvas for creative and educational exploration for children. Many learning centres offer short courses for children, which help them understand the significance of the festival, or just help them get in the festive spirit. A few of these workshops are listed below.
Little Nerds
Vidhi Bagaria Gupta and Baby Potato come together for a Durga Puja workshop for the youngest ones. Toddlers will learn and explore the vibrant and colourful traditions of Durga puja through engaging activities such as strorytelling, music, arts and crafts. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to be exposed to culture while having fun.
Age: 18-26 months
Date: October 5
Alpha Numero International
Promising fun-filled days, Alpha Numero has curated a festive workshop focused on Goddess Laxmi and Ram Katha. They have collaborated with the Creative Caterpillar by Swati Kheria to ensure that the children have an immersive storytelling experience with music, cooking, art and craft.
Age: Two years and above
Date: October 14-15
More details here.
The Holistic Approach
A learning space which is warm and fun — The Holistic Approach is hosting a Durga puja and Dussehra workshop for the youngest ones. The event will include a Ramleela recital, DIY crafts like making your own Ram Setu, Durga Maa craft and Dhunuchi Dance. This workshop will offer a wonderful opportunity for young ones to explore the rich cultural traditions surrounding these festivals through interactive storytelling, art and performances.
Age: 2.5 to 5.5 years
Date: October 4
DIY crafts at Home
Given the festive season, you might want your little ones just to be at home and still engage in the celebration. There are many shared activities that they can participate in and bond with siblings, friends and family. My son loves rangoli — the result of a four-year-old going gaga with colours is not exactly pretty — but it gets him in the festive spirit alright! Lil Thugs also has a Little Durga activity box with a Nava Durga book and DIY wall hanging of Durga Maa. The book is charming and perfect with beautiful illustrations and the wall hanging is creative and fun. It sparks creativity and nurtures curiosity, making our jobs even easier.
Check it out here.
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores,.