Family Activities to Enjoy on Navratri Day -

Introduction to Navratri

Navratri, which literally means “nine nights,” is celebrated twice a year—once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the autumn (Sharad Navratri). The autumn Navratri is the more widely celebrated one and usually falls in the months of September or October. The festival culminates in Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana.

During Navratri, devotees observe fasts, perform special prayers, and participate in cultural activities like Garba and Dandiya. It’s a time when the entire family can come together to engage in various activities that enhance the festive spirit. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best family activities to enjoy on Navratri Day.

1. Puja and Rituals

Daily Aarti and Bhajans

Start each day with a family prayer session.
Sing traditional bhajans and perform aarti together.
Assign roles to each family member, like lighting the lamp, distributing prasad, or leading the chants.

Durga Saptashati Recitation

Dedicate some time each day to read or recite the Durga Saptashati, a sacred text that narrates the stories of Goddess Durga’s battles.
Take turns reading chapters, making it a collective family activity.

Kalash Sthapana

Set up a Kalash (sacred pot) as part of the Navratri rituals.
Involve children in decorating the Kalash with flowers and other embellishments.

Fasting Together

If your family observes fasting, plan the meals together.
Prepare satvik (pure and simple) food that’s allowed during Navratri.
Discuss the spiritual significance of fasting with younger family members.

2. Traditional Dress-Up

Daily Themed Outfits

Each day of Navratri is associated with a different color. Plan your outfits accordingly.
Dress up in traditional attire as a family and take photos to commemorate the day.

Ethnic Wear for Children

Introduce children to traditional Indian wear like ghagra choli, dhoti kurta, etc.
Let them choose their outfits, helping them feel involved in the celebrations.

3. Garba and Dandiya Nights

Practice Sessions

Organize family Garba and Dandiya practice sessions at home.
Teach children the basic steps and traditional songs.

Virtual Garba

If attending community events isn’t possible, join a virtual Garba session.
Set up your living room or backyard with festive lights and music for a fun family dance night.

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Neighborhood Garba

If restrictions allow, collaborate with neighbors for a small Garba gathering.
Maintain social distancing while enjoying the cultural dance form.

4. DIY Festive Decorations

Home Decoration

Decorate your home with traditional items like torans (door hangings), rangolis, and flower garlands.
Involve children in making DIY crafts like paper lanterns, clay idols of Goddess Durga, or painting diyas.

Rangoli Competition

Host a family rangoli-making competition.
Use eco-friendly colors and encourage everyone to be creative.

Theme-Based Decorations

Choose a theme for each day of Navratri, such as floral, color-based, or deity-specific.
Decorate different areas of your home based on the theme.

5. Cultural Storytelling Sessions

Mythological Tales

Narrate stories from Hindu mythology, focusing on the various forms of Goddess Durga.
Use picture books or animated videos to make the stories more engaging for children.

Family Storytelling Circle

Each family member can share a story related to Navratri or a memorable past celebration.
Encourage children to create their own stories or plays based on the festival.

Interactive Q&A

Hold a quiz or Q&A session after storytelling to test everyone’s knowledge.
Reward correct answers with small tokens or sweets.

6. Cooking Together

Navratri Special Recipes

Cook traditional Navratri recipes like Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ka Dosa, and Singhare Ki Puri together.
Assign simple tasks to kids, like washing ingredients or mixing batter.

Prasad Preparation

Prepare different types of prasad (offering) for each day of Navratri.
Teach children the importance of prasad in rituals and how to make it.

Recipe Swap

Share Navratri-friendly recipes with friends and neighbors.
Try out new dishes together as a family and rate each one.

7. Charity and Community Service

Donate Food and Clothes

Use the occasion to teach children the importance of giving.
Collect food, clothes, or other essentials to donate to those in need.

Organize a Charity Drive

Organize a small charity drive in your neighborhood or community.
Encourage children to participate by helping to collect and distribute donations.

Visit Temples or Community Centers

If safe and possible, visit local temples or community centers that organize food distribution during Navratri.
Involve children in serving food or distributing clothes to the underprivileged.

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8. Art and Craft Sessions

Navratri-Themed Crafts

Organize craft sessions where the family can create Navratri-themed items like paper Garba sticks, clay idols, or decorated plates.
Display the crafts around the house to enhance the festive décor.

Painting and Drawing

Encourage children to draw or paint scenes from Navratri, like Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura.
Frame their artwork and use it as part of the festive decorations.

DIY Garba Sticks

Create your own Garba sticks using wooden dowels, colorful tapes, and beads.
Personalize each pair with the names of family members.

9. Navratri-Themed Games

Traditional Games

Play traditional Indian games like Antakshari (a singing game), musical chairs, or passing the parcel with a Navratri twist.
Use Navratri songs or themes for added fun.

Navratri Quiz

Create a quiz based on the history, rituals, and significance of Navratri.
Include questions for all age groups to make it inclusive.

Treasure Hunt

Organize a Navratri-themed treasure hunt with clues related to the festival.
Hide small treasures like sweets, toys, or festive trinkets around the house.

10. Virtual Celebrations with Extended Family

Video Calls

Set up daily video calls with extended family members to share how each day of Navratri is being celebrated.
Plan a virtual group aarti or bhajan session.

Photo Sharing

Create a shared photo album where each family can upload pictures of their Navratri celebrations.
At the end of the festival, compile the best moments into a slideshow.

Virtual Competitions

Host virtual competitions like best-dressed, best rangoli, or best Navratri dish among family members.
Announce winners on the final day of Navratri.

Conclusion

Navratri is not just a religious festival but a time for families to come together, celebrate, and strengthen their bonds. By participating in these activities, you can make Navratri Day special for every family member, regardless of their age. Whether it’s through traditional rituals, cultural storytelling, or creative crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you celebrate Navratri this year, remember that the joy of the festival lies in the togetherness of family and the shared experiences that create lifelong memories.