Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of ten day celebrations across India. Though the preparations for this festival begin a month prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, it is on this day that people welcome Ganesha into their homes.
Children need to understand the premise of the festivals if we are to celebrate them meaningfully.
Not only it enlightens children about their culture and traditions but also helps them build religious tolerance. Something that is the core of our wonderful country, India.
- Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations Across Different States
- Crafts for Ganesh Chaturthi for Kids
- Ganesha Books for Children
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi is annual festival that is celebrated all over the country, particularly in Southern and Western states of India. It is celebrated to mark the birthday of one of the favorite Indian Gods – Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Across Different States
Ganesha is known by 108 names. Just as he is known by different names, the celebrations also differ across various states of the country.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra
The western state holds the grandest celebrations across the country. It is believed the festival dates back to Maratha King Shivaji’s reign.
Later Lokmanya Tilak, a eminent independence activist, evolved the festival to a public event to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmin community and thus bringing unity across races and castes.
During this period of ten days, colorful pandals are set up all across the state to worship the deity. People engage in ten day long celebrations by bringing the idols to their homes and worshipping it.
As Ganesha is known for his sweet tooth, ‘Modak’ a traditional Marathi sweet is offered to him.
The entire state in immersed in a cultural extravaganza during this period. Various folk dances, fairs, poetry and drama performances are held making the festival more joyful.
On the last day of the celebration, Ganesha idol is immersed in water amidst the chants of “Ganapati Bappa Moriya”.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Kerala
The southern state of Kerala lauds the festival as ‘Vinayaka Chavithi’ and celebrates it much like Maharashtra.
The idols are bathed in milk and temples are decorated exquisitely. People crowd the temples to seek blessing of the Viganeshwara by offering coconut.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka
This state of Southwest India celebrates Ganesha Chaturthi as ‘Ganesh Habba’. The locals offer their prayers not only to Ganesha but also his mother ‘Gauri’. Colorful tents are set up, homes are cleaned and temples are decorated.
Women prepare decorated thalis, which they exchange amongst themselves to seek blessings of the Goddess, the epitome incarnation of Aadhi Shakthi Mahamaya, for a happy married life. The revelries end with Visarjan, that is the immersion of Ganesha idol in water.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu celebrates this festival as ‘Pillayar Chaturthi’. It begins of the fourth day of Tamil month ‘Aavani’ and ends the following Sunday with immersion of Ganesha idol.
Just like everywhere else, here too Ganesha is offered traditional sweets to please him and seek his blessings.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Gujarat
This neighboring state of Maharashtra celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with matching pomp and show. Not to be left behind, the locals observe the festivities for a period of seven to ten days.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Rajasthan
The culturally rich state of Rajasthan celebrates this festival of Lord of Wisdom in it’s own unique way. Ganesha idols are place at the entrance of the house along with a puja ki thaali. Decorated with flower garlands, the idol is bather in Kumkum water.
People entering the home must pay their obeisance to Ganesha by applying Kumkum tilak on the idol’s forehead along with theirs.
The rest of India too engages in commemorations along with these states. Every state adds its touch to the festival, making it a cultural glue to bind the entire country in joyful, festive mood.
Understanding how different states celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi will help children build respect for all cultures and appreciate subtle differences. This inclusion and tolerance is what helps us stand strong and together.
Once your children have understood the unifying and binding spirit of the festival, involve them hands-on in these crafts:
Crafts For Ganesh Chaturthi for Kids
1. Draw Ganesha With Basic Shapes
This one offers a neat guide to draw Ganesha using basic shapes. Children as young as 4year olds can use this technique to draw their Ganesha.
2. Lentil Ganesha Craft
This is a great craft to strengthen motor skills of younger children. Draw any silhouette of Ganesha of a paper and ask your child to paste lentils on the outlines. Simple, isn’t it?
3. Origami Ganesha
These cute origami Ganeshas make the perfect present for friends and family.
4. Leaf Printed Ganesha
For your younger child who cannot handle origami or quilling, try this leaf printed Ganesha. It is breathtakingly beautiful and extremely simple. You can also experiment with other parts of plants.
5. Quilled Ganesha
For older children who love quilling, here is quilled Ganesha. Paste it on a card to make a personalized Ganesh Chaturthi card.
6. Floral Ganesha
Much like Lentil Ganesha, this craft uses flower petals to fill in thick Ganesha outlines. The result is not only fragrant but also delightful.
7. Ganesha’s Umbrella
Once you have decided which Ganesha to make with your children, make Ganesha’s beloved umbrella. It is simple craft that required little parental guidance.
8. Origami Modak
Ganesh Chaturthi is incomplete without Modak. This traditional desert is quintessential to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
While kids may not be able to make the real Modak, they can certainly make an origami version to add to their celebrations.
Ganesha Books for Children
No activity with children is complete without stories. Besides nourishing their young minds, stories also help them to remember and retain. Hence, it is only apt that children should be read Ganesha stories during the celebrations.
1. Let’s Celebrate Ganesha’s Birthday!
Engaging illustrations and an informative storyline make this book a mindful read about the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Part of Maya & Neel’s India Adventures, this is great book to add to your kid’s library and build cultural sensitivity.
2. Ganesha: The Curse on the Moon
This story bring alive the legend surrounding the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Kid friendly language and captivating illustrations make it a hit with young children.
This preschool story for kids is apt for kids upto 7 years.
Related: Also check out Diwali Books for Kids to learn about the Festival of Lights.
3. Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
A witty tale about how Ganesha’s sweet tooth lands him in trouble. This one is certain to make your children laugh.
Beautifully illustrated, it is a delightful read for the entire family.
3. Lilu’s Ganesha
Why not indulge in a DIY craft through the means of story book that couples kid friendly craft with an equally interesting story!
It’s rhyming text, colourful illustrations makes it easy to teach kids all about this Hindu festival.
4. Ganesha
This graphic book for kids brings to life the birth story of Hindu God – Ganesha.
Suitable for kids 9 years and above, this book manages to enthrall and fascinate older audience who are too grown up for kiddie versions of Ganesha story.
5. Amma, Tell me about Ganesha
Beautifully illustrated, this book is quite a favourite amongst kids who are ready to dive into the world of Indian mythology.
6. Ganesha Coloring And Activity Book For Kids
Why not indulge in colouring while gearing up for Ganesha festival? Your kids will love these fun colouring sheets and Ganesha inspired activities.
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