Fun Family Games to Play with Kids During Diwali/Navratri
The festive season of Diwali and Navratri brings together families for celebrations filled with joy, laughter, and excitement. Along with rituals and feasting, it’s a great opportunity to engage kids in fun family games that not only keep them entertained but also strengthen the bond within the family. Here’s a list of enjoyable games you can play with your kids during Diwali and Navratri.
Treasure Hunt with a Festive Twist
Turn your home into a treasure trove! Hide small gifts or festive items like diyas, sweets, or decor items in different rooms and prepare clues for your little adventurers. To add a festive touch, you can use Diwali or Navratri themes for the clues. For example, "Find where the diya brings light," could lead to a hidden treasure by a lamp. This game encourages problem-solving while embracing the festive spirit.
Musical Chairs with a Dandiya Twist
Dandiya and Garba are integral parts of Navratri celebrations. Combine these traditional dances with musical chairs for a fun twist! As the music plays, everyone dances in a circle with their dandiyas (wooden sticks used in Garba), and when the music stops, they must quickly find a chair. The last person standing wins! It's a great way to introduce kids to the festive dance while having fun.
Diya Decoration Competition
Diwali is incomplete without the beautiful glow of diyas. Make it a family activity by organizing a diya decoration competition. Provide everyone with paint, glitter, and other craft supplies to decorate their diyas. Once done, display them around the house or light them in the evening. This activity allows kids to get creative while contributing to the festive decor.
Rangoli Design Challenge
Kids love playing with colors, and rangoli offers a perfect opportunity to unleash their creativity. You can organize a family rangoli design competition using eco-friendly colors, flowers, or rice. Set a theme, like traditional patterns or something related to Diwali or Navratri. This game teaches kids about cultural traditions while allowing them to experiment with their artistic side.
Festive Tambola (Bingo)
Put a festive twist on the classic Tambola or Bingo game. Instead of numbers, use items related to Diwali and Navratri, such as "Diyas," "Lakshmi," "Rama," "Garba," or "Dandiya." Create your custom Tambola cards and let the whole family play. It’s a great way to teach kids about the significance of different symbols and customs associated with these festivals while having tons of fun.
Memory Game with Festival Items
This game helps improve children’s memory while involving festive elements. Place a tray with various Diwali or Navratri-related items like sweets, idols, diyas, flowers, and bangles. Let the kids observe the tray for a minute, then cover it. Ask them to write down as many items as they can remember. The one with the highest number of correct items wins. It’s simple, but it sharpens the mind and keeps the festive spirit alive.
Pin the Tail on the Ramayana Characters
Inspired by the traditional "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" game, this variation features beloved characters from the Ramayana. Blindfolded participants attempt to pin cutouts like Hanuman’s mace or Lord Rama’s bow in the correct spot on a poster. Not only is it fun, but it also helps children learn about important characters and stories from the Ramayana during the Diwali season.
Guess the Garba Step
For Navratri enthusiasts, this game is perfect. One person performs a Garba step, and the rest have to guess the name of the step or try to replicate it. You can make it more exciting by timing how quickly the others can guess. This interactive game brings the energy of Navratri right into your home!
Festive Charades
Charades is always a hit with families, and you can adapt it to suit the festive mood. Write down Diwali- and Navratri-related words or phrases like “bursting crackers,” “lighting diyas,” “playing dandiya,” or “eating sweets” on slips of paper. Take turns acting out the phrases while others guess. It's a fun way to introduce kids to different aspects of the festivals.
Sweets-Making Competition
Involve the kids in making traditional Diwali sweets or Navratri treats like ladoos, kheer, or chikki. Turn it into a competition to see who can decorate their sweets the best or come up with creative shapes. It’s a delicious and educational way to bond as a family while keeping the festive traditions alive.
These fun family games are perfect for adding extra joy to your Diwali and Navratri celebrations. Not only do they keep kids entertained, but they also teach them about the cultural significance of these festivals in an engaging and interactive way. So, gather your family and get ready for a festive season filled with laughter, fun, and lasting memories!