Ganesh Chaturthi Crafts and Activities to engage Kids
Every year Ganesh or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated all over India as Lord Ganesha’s Birthday! In Maharashtra, there is the best 10-day affair for Ganesh Chaturthi. Where almost every house or society welcomes Lord Ganesha. Now that, it’s time for the arrival of Ganpati Bappa, are you looking to make this Ganesh Chaturthi special for kids. Are you looking for some Ganesh Chaturthi crafts and activities to keep them engaged? Do you want them to enjoy fun games and learn about the festival? If yes, you should consider reading this post till the end.
The Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The festival starts with decorating colourful idols of Lord Ganesha at home or society building. There is a platform or the pandal for the idol, which is decorated with garlands or lights. On Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol is welcomed and worshipped for 10 days. On the 11th day, with a lot of dhoom-dham, the idol is carried through the streets and immersed in a river/pond or the sea nearby. This ritual represents a send-off for Lord Ganesha. It is said that as he travels to his home in Kailash, he takes away the sorrows of all devotees with him. Also, during the 11-day festivities, the main prasad is Ganpati Bappa’s favourite sweet- Modak.
Crafts and Activities for Ganesh Chaturthi
Activity 1: Start with reading books on Ganesha
You might be aware that there are so much to explore when we talk about Indian Mythology. So, why not start getting your child’s interest in the Elephant God with a book.
In fact, every time as I read more, I found some interesting twist or versions of a story. so basically everything boils down to the interpretation. I have read many articles and books. And found this one with so many simple yet interesting stories. All the stories are so easy to tell kids, do give this a read- Tales of the Elephant God.
We have this book called “Amma tell me about, Ganesha” by Bhakti Mathur. The illustrations in the book are really interesting.
Another book I would recommend a book is, “Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth” by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes. The illustrations of this book are also very appealing for young kids.
Activity 2: Drawing and Coloring Lord Ganesha
You can find a lot of printables, activity books and colouring books* or pages online. I found this colouring book at a local book store and we enjoyed colouring and knowing more about our elephant God. It was fascinating for Tuggu to see so many looks of the same god.
You may also try some activities with paper plates etc and make Ganapati idols for Ganesh Chaturthi crafts and activities. Such activities could be a good starting point for many discussions related to the Lord Ganesha idol, the celebrations, the puja essentials etc.
Activity 3: Make creative Ganesha with play-doh!
Kids love dough and the colourful play-doh could definitely help to catch their attention for long. There are plenty of fun Ganesha pictures available online which you can replicate with your kids. Here, I found this interesting Lord Ganpati clay idol on Pinterest.
Use plenty of vibrant colours to add more detail and make the idol. You may also try making the coconut, ladoos, mouse and the other puja essentials. Kids could definitely like the idea and would be engaged for good.
Activity 4: Make your own eco – friendly Ganesha Idol!
You may also try clay or even chocolate to make an eco-friendly Ganesha idol.
Let me tell you that this may seem very difficult, but it is actually quite simple. While I was searching for some easy ideas, I landed up to find this easy tutorial, which explains the entire process!
Activity 5: Decorate the platform/ Room for Ganesha!
This would be really interesting for kids especially if they enjoy colouring. There are a variety of colours available today which works well even on marble floors and are washable too. You may draw outlines and ask them to fill colours.
There are various stencils also available which even the kids could use and draw interesting patterns with colours. Though this may get messy, I am sure, it would be totally worth it experience for them.
Activity 6: Involve them in preparing some sweets or prasad for the puja.
Kids love to mix and make a mess. Give them the task of washing rice for kheer, mixing flours for ladoos, crushing cashews or almonds. They may even help you cutting sweets with a cookie cutter.
In fact, there are moulds available for modaks* too, which even the kids could use.
Activity 7: Teach some Shlokas or Ganpati Aarti
Teach your child some shlokas and aarti. Involve them while you pray to the Ganesha Idol, let them pray and chant with you. You could also let them help in decorating garlands, drawing a Rangoli, lighting a Diya or an incense stick.
While you teach them some shloka on Ganesha, do explain the meaning to them too.
Activity 8: Listen to songs or watch a Ganesha movie
Play some Ganpati songs meant for children. There is a big collection available on Youtube. You may also find some in vernacular languages.
You should also check some fantastic Ganpati movies for kids like- Bal Ganesh or My Friend Ganesha. Or you may just check some of their songs available online.
Activity 9: Visit a local Ganesh Pandal
You can also take the kids to visit the local Ganesh pandals where they get huge Ganesha idols. A lot of places nowadays follow a certain theme and it could be interesting to experience such things.
Also during peak hours, some fun activities also happen at almost every pandal which the kids may enjoy. But it may be noisy and tiring for young kids.
Activity 10: Finish the Celebrations with Immersion story
It would be great if kids understand the full cycle of the celebrations. You can show the kids how an idol immersion in done either at home or taking them to an actual immersion pond in your area.
You may show them the idol immersion with some water in a huge bowl and immerse your clay idol in it. If you plan to take them to an actual location, we sure of the safety instruction one need to follow. It’s better to join the society pandal immersion group and experience with friends and family.
PS: Don’t forget to click a few pictures of all the activities done and paste them in their craft book. It would be fun to revisit the whole experience, as you look back at the photographs over the years. These would be some priceless memories that you would be gathering for them.
PS: Do show us love by liking, sharing our posts and also Subscribing to our blog and social channels for next post intimations 🙂
________________________________________
Pingback: Everything You need to start your own Indoor Garden - Story of a Mom, Motherhood & Beyond!
These are some amazing suggestions to involve kids in Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations. I am sure my daughter would love to make sweets with me as she helps me around the kitchen while baking.
Omg so many tips on art n craft and this is so good ganesh chaturthi activities and really great way to engage kids
These are some great activities for kids to help them understand more about Ganesh Chaturthi and the celebration around it .
you have shared such beautiful crafts here. This year we have not done any craft for Ganesh Chaturthi, will remember to do something for next year.
This time Ganesh chaturthi is totally different. Like the idea of making eco friendly Ganesh ji idol. The books is good medium to teach kids about our culture
Wow this is pretty good information on how to involve our kids in the festivities. We generally do this during Christmas. Perhaps I’ll try making some sweet this year with them…
All these activities are so much fun for kids and us also . A very nice way of bonding .Me and my son also prepare sweets together.
These are some really fun activities that I am sure my nephew will enjoy. Today we did read some Ganesha stories and made Prasad at home together.
Such lovely tips to let kids know about the festival and also involving them in the preparation and decoration process. I loved those illustrative books!
Very nice tips. My children made eco friendly ganesha this year.. we also involve kids in pooja preps as well.
I have been doing this for quite a some time now and it is such a feel good Factor. Festivals brings so much of positivity and good vibes.
Beautiful post Gungan, I used todo all these things in Pune till last year, this year miss it all in Delhi but your post warmed my heart with so many sweet memories
Getting kids participation in all these activities is a good idea. My lite one is good with clay modeling, will show her this ganesha with clay, i hope she would like to try it too.
Such beautiful ways to tell kids about the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. I know for sure child love this Elephant God especially making a clay model of it.
We just made some modaks today and boy it was such fun. I am going to plan some more activities now after reading yoru ideas 🙂
These activities look so much fun, must try with kids during Ganesh chaturthi festival. We usually don’t celebrate this festival but this year we will be doing Ganesh visarjan using eco friendly Ganesha for Nemit since he’s been asking a lot of questions about this festival.
Loved all these activities dear and specially the play doh ganesha is looking so cute, I am sure all kids will love it for sure.
loved each of these activities Gunjan. engaging and at the same time teaching values. we do some of these around ganesh chaturthi every year.
awesome Gunjan.. loved each one of these. we alwys make clay ganesha, this time my clay didnt arrive and i made ganesha from paper mache
Its going to be a very quiet Ganesh Festival this year. These activities will help me keep my kids engaged. Thanks!
These activities will surely help kids to get engaged and even learn more about the festival. Thanks for sharing such great tips and ideas
Involving kids into all these activities is very important are also helpful in making them understand the important of festivals. Ganapati is the favorite God of kids. Play-dough Ganesh looks very cute..
All the activities are nice and practical which will help kids to engage and enjoy Ganesh festival.
kids will definitely love these craft ideas for ganesh-chaturthi
These are some amazing tips shared by you, I just love it, in fact, this can be done by both elders & kids.
What fab ways to let the kids know of Ganesh Chaturthi. I loved all the ideas. 🙂
Such a beautiful post Gunjan! Lovely ways to endulge kids and this will also keep them entertained.
That’s a fantastic list of things we can do to engage our kids during festivals. The play-doh Ganesha looks adorable.
Thank You Rashi for dropping by and leaving a comment.
This is a beautiful read Gunjan. Loved all the ways in which we can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such cute Ganesh Chaturthi activities will not only engage kids but mom’s too:)
#MyFriendAlexa
#AditiReads
aditikapur.com
I loved these ideas, thank you for sharing this
Glad you liked them.
Thanks for writing, Gunjan. Happy Ganpati Utsav to all of you.
#ReadByPRB
Very nice post and apt for this festive season. Thanks for sharing these ideas. This should help many moms to engage their kids and make this understand the Ganesha festival.
Awesome… so nicely u explained everything thats involvced in teh festival… I love Ganpati festival…
Tat’s a nice list you got there! I would love to make Clay Ganesha with Kids. It would be fun.
That’s amazing, do try and tag me <3
These are some cool activities to get kids enjoy and learn the importance of this festival. I love the idea of making ganesha with dough & clay.
Glad you like the activities, Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to read.
Wonderful post to reignite the festivities and fun 🙂
Thank You!!
Nice ideas to spend time creatively with kids. Play doh Ganesha looks very colorful and cute.
Thank you so much Pragun for dropping by and taking the time to read and share your thoughts. Really appreciate it!
I remember how my cousin had done this – made a Ganesha idol with flour and then immersed it in a bucket of water. He had been most proud. Loved the activities!
wow! that’s so amazing. It’s so important we teach our little ones the concept of festivals and celebrations. I feel such activities not only keep them engaged but help them learn our rituals better. Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to read and share your thoughts. Really appreciate it!
Wow Gunjan loved the ideas and you had helped us a lot to celebrate this amazing festival with our kids. I loved most the idea if making eco friendly Ganesha, will surely try this with my girls. #Surbhireads #Myfriendalexa
Wonderful post. Around a popular festival, you have created so many activities that will enhance creative potential and learning.
amazing Ideas, kids can be kept busy with these easily as they love ganpati as they think of him same age and as their friend.
Today only my hubby is talking about eco friendly Ganesha, thats so lovely tips to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
very nice tips for engaging kids. The moulding is my kids favourite. He will take atta dough and mould it in anything he lays his hands on.
such occasions gives us ample opportunity to teach kids about our culture and tell them the importance of rituals.
You are so innovative. I wish I had read your post before Ganesh Chathurthi. Would have experimented with a few crafts then. My only worry is the after effect of creativity. With a 4yr old, the house is definitely going to be a mess then.
These activities are so important to cultivate good habits and interest in kids. It does take a lot of patience to deal with them when we have a puja!
Omggg!! I still remember how i used to do these things and my granny used to narrate me stories of lord ganeshaa
What lovely ideas to introduce the festival to our little ones. Very innovative!
Great tips… but i cant imagine the mess my little one will make if he helps me with prasad. Thank you for recommending the books I was actually looking for some books for my little one.