Explaining Navratri and Dussehra to Kids: A Simple Guide for Parents

 

As parents living far from India, it’s important for us to share our traditions and culture with our kids, even while we're in the USA. One of the most important festivals we celebrate is Navratri, followed by Dussehra. Here’s an easy way to explain these festivals to children, helping them understand our roots.

What is Navratri?

Navratri is a festival that lasts for nine days. During these nine days, we pray to Goddess Durga. She is strong and powerful, and she protects us from anything bad, just like a superhero. Each day, we pray to a different form of the goddess.

The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

1. Shailaputri: She is the first form of the goddess and is called the daughter of the mountains. She is calm and strong, and she teaches us to be brave.

2. Brahmacharini: On the second day, we pray to Brahmacharini. She walks barefoot, holds a pot and beads, and teaches us patience and love.

3. Chandraghanta: The third form has a half-moon on her forehead. She rides a lion and shows us the importance of courage and strength.

4. Kushmanda: She is known for creating the universe with her smile! She shows us how being happy and positive can make everything around us better.

5. Skandamata: This form of the goddess is a mother. She holds her son in her arms and teaches us how to care for others.

6. Katyayani: She is fierce and powerful, fighting against evil. She teaches us that it's important to stand up for what’s right.

7. Kalaratri: She looks scary because she destroys all bad things, but she is always protecting us. She teaches us that even though things may seem frightening, there is always someone to protect us.

8. Mahagauri: She is pure and calm. She rides a white bull and teaches us to stay calm and be kind to others.

9. Siddhidatri: The ninth form of Durga is Siddhidatri. She gives wisdom and helps us achieve our goals, reminding us that learning is important.

How Do We Celebrate Navratri?

• Prayers and Fasting: Every day, families pray together to one form of Goddess Durga, asking for her blessings. Some families also fast, meaning they don’t eat certain foods as a way to be thankful and focus on the goddess.
• Dancing: In many parts of India, people celebrate Navratri with dance, called Garba and Dandiya. Children can join in too, dancing in circles with sticks, celebrating with friends and family.
• Decorations: We decorate our homes with flowers and lights, making them beautiful for the goddess. At temples, special prayers and ceremonies are held every day.

What is Dussehra?

On the tenth day, after Navratri, we celebrate Dussehra. This is when Lord Rama defeated the evil king Ravana. The story of Dussehra teaches us that good always wins over evil, no matter how difficult things may seem.

• Ravana’s Effigies: In India, large dolls of Ravana are burned to show how evil was destroyed. It’s a fun and important way to show children that doing good things and being kind will always win.
• Victory of Good: Just like how Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura, Lord Rama fought Ravana. These stories help children understand that we must always be brave, honest, and kind, no matter where we are.

Why is it Important to Celebrate These Festivals?

Even though we are far from India, celebrating Navratri and Dussehra helps us remember who we are and where we come from. It’s a time for families to come together, pray, and teach children about our culture. This way, our kids stay connected to their roots while growing up with strong values like kindness, bravery, and respect for others.

Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids

1. Tell Stories: Share the stories of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama in simple words that your child can understand. You can use toys or drawings to make the stories fun.

2. Dance Together: If your child enjoys dancing, teach them some easy Garba or Dandiya steps. You can find music online or in Indian community groups nearby.

3. Art and Crafts: Get creative by making drawings of the goddess or creating Ravana’s effigy with paper. This way, children can connect with the festival while doing something fun.

4. Join Community Celebrations: Many Indian communities in the USA host Navratri and Dussehra events. Take your kids to temples or gatherings where they can see how everyone celebrates together.

Conclusion

Navratri and Dussehra are not just about fasting or praying; they are about teaching our children the values of good behavior, honesty, and standing up for what’s right. Through these festivals, we pass on important lessons to the next generation while keeping our culture alive, no matter where we are.

So, let’s celebrate Navratri and Dussehra with our kids, teaching them about our rich traditions in a fun and simple way!