Hi,

How are your Diwali preparations coming along?

If you have holidays and need some help with the activities, check out our older posts for Diwali crafts.

If you have to explain about Diwali in school (I just did.), do take a look at our Show & Tell: All about Diwali detailed post. It was very helpful to me.

We are short of time this year. The little lady has started full day school now.

Anyway, I am not sure some of our activities even qualify for a post here but, as you know I love to share my ideas.

Here they are, Super simple and quick activities, which you can do without too much planning.

ACTIVITY 1: Diwali cards using Stencils (Ages 3 and above)

You will need: Plastic stencils, Paints, Sponge or Brush, Card paper

Tips: (1) In case you do not have a stencil, You can create one using Cardboard. (2) You could also cut a potato into the shape of a lamp and do stamping.

The result: Lovely cards to give your friends

ACTIVITY 2: Rangoli with a twist (Ages 5 and above)

You will need: A Rangoli design printout on a thick card paper, color pens, a bold black pen, white paint, paint brush and a metallic gold pen. Surface and plastic wrap (optional).

Print out the colored Rangoli design on a thick white card paper. Cut it out to suit your shape. Color it with sketch pens to make the color stand out. Decorate it with the metallic gold pen. Just a few dots and dashes and small motifs in gold and white. Stick it on to the surface you want. We used an old stool. Then cover it with thin layer of plastic wrap. Do not forget to draw the black borders. They make the design stand out.

Activity 3: Painting the Diyas (Ages 4 and above)

You will need: Acrylic colors, Palette, paint brushes, Mud lamp (Diya) and optionally, glitter glue.

I love the mud fragrance of these diyas. They remind me of the natural fragrance of the wet earth just after the first rains.

This is one activity which has stood the test of time. I remember coloring the mud diyas in my childhood. Using acrylic colors gives the diyas a shine and makes them look bright. Remember to use contrasts of light and dark.

They make lovely DIY gifts especially during Diwali.

Activity 4: Rangoli with dot markers (Age 2 and above)

You will need: Dot markers, Print out of a simple Rangoli design.

If you do not know what dot markers are, please check our post on Ganesha. They have been very useful to me and I would recommend to buy them if you find them anywhere.

Use a simple layered print out of the Rangoli design and get the kids to stamp them with dot markers. The below ones are made by three year old kids.

Tip: In case you do not have a dot marker, please cut a small potato and let them stamp the paints. It would be a little messy but, more fun. 🙂

That’s all for now. A quick post for you.

Actually an excuse to wish you.

HAVE A SAFE, PROSPEROUS, JOYOUS AND SUPER DIWALI.

Best wishes,

Poornima