Light Up Diwali: Child-Friendly Recipes, Activities and Ideas

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a special celebration that comes from India. It is a time when people come together with family and friends to celebrate light, joy, and new beginnings. During Diwali, homes are decorated with beautiful lamps called 'diyas,' fireworks light up the sky, and delicious sweets are shared. Diwali teaches us the importance of kindness, sharing, and the victory of good over bad.

Links to NQS:

• NQS Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice – Diwali celebrations provide opportunities for children to learn about different cultures, traditions, and values, supporting a rich learning experience.

• NQS Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children – Engaging in group activities during Diwali promotes positive relationships and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging.

• NQS Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities – Including Diwali in the curriculum strengthens connections with families and acknowledges the diverse cultural backgrounds in the learning environment.
  

Diwali Coloured Ice Cubes Sensory Play

Relevance to Diwali: The vibrant colored ice cubes represent the bright and festive colors of Diwali, bringing a sensory cooling element that contrasts with the warmth of the festival lights. Materials:

• Ice cube trays

• Food coloring (bright Diwali colors: red, orange, yellow, purple)

• Water

• Large tray or shallow bin

• Warm water (for melting)

Instructions:

1. Fill ice cube trays with water and add a drop of food coloring to each section.

2. Freeze overnight.

3. Place the colored ice cubes in a shallow bin or tray, and let children explore the cold texture, colors, and melting process.

4. Add warm water to see how the colors mix as the ice melts, encouraging color exploration.

Diwali Sensory Spice Dough Ornaments Relevance to Diwali: These ornaments use spices like cinnamon and cloves, echoing the scents found in traditional Diwali kitchens and creating symbolic diya or lotus shapes that reflect Diwali themes. Materials:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 1/2 cup cinnamon powder

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 cup water

• Diya or lotus-shaped cookie cutters

• Ribbon (optional, for hanging)

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon powder, and ground cloves.

2. Gradually add water to create a dough, kneading until smooth.

3. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make diya or lotus shapes.

4. Let the ornaments air-dry for 24-48 hours.

5. Optional: Attach a ribbon to hang them as decorations, bringing the fragrance of spices into the space.
   

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Diwali Silk Scarf Sensory Exploration

Relevance to Diwali: Silk scarves in vibrant colors mimic the beautiful fabrics worn during Diwali celebrations, providing children with a tactile and visual experience of Diwali textiles.Materials:

• Silk or satin scarves (or any soft fabric) in Diwali colors

• Bright patterned cloth (optional)

• Small scented sachets (optional: marigold, cinnamon, or jasmine)

Instructions:

1. Spread out the scarves and cloth on a table or sensory area.

2. Allow children to explore the texture of the silky fabric by touching, rubbing, and wrapping themselves in it.

3. Optionally, hide small scented sachets within the folds for children to discover as they feel through the fabric.

4. Discuss the feeling of soft, smooth materials used in traditional Diwali clothing.
   

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Diwali Sensory Rice and Clay Diyas Relevance to Diwali: The combination of textured rice and smooth clay reflects the various materials used during Diwali to create diyas, lanterns, and decorations. Materials:

• Cooked rice (cooled)

• Small clay or air-dry clay pieces

• Food coloring (to dye the rice in Diwali colors)

• Rolling pins (small for children’s hands)

• Small tools for clay shaping

Instructions:

1. Dye the cooked rice with food coloring and let it dry slightly so it’s still soft but colored.

2. Place the colored rice in a tray and provide small clay pieces for children to mold and shape diyas.

3. Encourage them to roll the clay, make imprints, or create simple diya shapes.

4. Let them decorate the clay diyas with the colorful rice, pressing the rice into the soft clay for added texture.

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Diwali Sensory Path

Relevance to Diwali: This tactile walking path uses a variety of textures that represent traditional Diwali elements such as flowers, fabrics, and lights, creating a full-body sensory experience. Materials:

• Soft fabric (representing the softness of silk or sari fabric)

• Marigold petals (real or artificial)

• Smooth stones or pebbles (representing lighting lamps and paths)

• Sand (to replicate outdoor rangoli creation)

• Shallow trays or a long sensory strip to walk on

Instructions:

1. Set up different trays or sections of the sensory path with marigold petals, soft fabrics, smooth stones, and sand.

2. Guide children to walk barefoot on the sensory path, feeling the different textures under their feet.

3. As they walk, ask them to describe how each section feels and how it relates to Diwali traditions (e.g., marigold garlands, outdoor rangoli).

4. End the path with a diya lighting station where they can observe the flickering lights.

Diwali Glow Stick Bottles Relevance to Diwali: The glow sticks mimic the flickering of diyas and fireworks during Diwali, introducing children to the celebration of light. Materials:

• Small plastic bottles with lids

• Water

• Glow sticks (in Diwali colors)

• Glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill each plastic bottle with water and snap a glow stick to activate it, placing it inside the bottle.

2. Optionally, add glitter to enhance the sensory effect.

3. Seal the bottles tightly and let children shake, turn, and observe the glowing lights as they explore the bottle.

4. Explain how the glow sticks symbolize the lights of Diwali, illuminating homes and the night sky.

   
   

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Diwali Fragrant Flower Sensory Bin

Relevance to Diwali: Flowers are used extensively during Diwali for garlands and decorations, and this fragrant bin lets children experience their beauty and scent.Materials:

• Rose petals, marigold petals, or other fragrant flowers

• Essential oils (rose or jasmine)

• Small scoops, bowls, and spoons

• Diya or small candle shapes (optional for older children)

Instructions:

1. Fill a sensory bin with fresh or dried flower petals.

2. Add a few drops of rose or jasmine essential oil to intensify the fragrance.

3. Provide scoops and bowls for children to scoop and pour the petals, exploring their texture and scent.

4. Optional: Older children can place small diya shapes or candles in the petals, creating a Diwali-inspired sensory display.

Diwali Coloured Water Sensory Play Relevance to Diwali: The vibrant colors in the water reflect the joyous and bright atmosphere of Diwali, where homes are adorned with colorful decorations.

Materials:

• Clear containers or bowls

• Water

• Food coloring (red, yellow, orange - Diwali colors)

• Flower petals (like marigold, commonly used during Diwali)

• Floating diyas or candles (optional for older children)

Instructions:

1. Fill containers with water and add food colouring to create vibrant hues.

2. Place flower petals or floating diyas in the water to mimic Diwali decorations.

3. Allow children to swirl the water, explore the colours, and feel the petals.

4. Optional: For older children, let them gently float small diyas on the water surface.

Diwali Clay Diyas

Relevance to Diwali: Creating clay diyas (oil lamps) symbolises the lighting of lamps during Diwali, a core tradition celebrating the victory of light over darkness. Materials:

• Air-dry clay

• Small beads, sequins, or glitter for decoration

• Paint (bright Diwali colors)

• Tea light candles (for older children)

Instructions:

1. Provide air-dry clay and help children shape small diyas using their hands.

2. Let them press beads, sequins, or glitter into the clay for decoration.

3. Once dry, children can paint their diyas in bright colors.

4. Optional: Older children can place tea light candles inside the diyas for display.

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Spiced Sensory Rice

Relevance to Diwali: Spiced rice, with its vibrant colors and aromatic spices, reflects the rich sensory experience of Diwali, where food and fragrance play a significant role in celebrations. Materials:

• Uncooked rice

• Food coloring (Diwali colors)

• Ground spices (cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves)

• Ziplock bags

• Large shallow tray

Instructions:

1. Pour rice into ziplock bags, add food coloring and a pinch of spices, then shake until mixed.

2. Spread the colored and scented rice onto a shallow tray.

3. Encourage children to explore the rice with their hands, feeling the texture and smelling the fragrant spices.

4. Children can use small cups and spoons to scoop and pour the rice, exploring different sensations.
   

Scented Diwali Dough with Spices Relevance to Diwali: The use of spices like turmeric and nutmeg reflects the warmth and aroma of traditional Diwali foods and environments. Materials:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tbsp cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• Ground spices (turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom)

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients and spices in a pot, then add water and oil.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring until it forms a dough.

3. Allow the dough to cool, then knead it to the right texture.

4. Let children smell and manipulate the dough, noticing the warmth and aromas of the spices.

5. Optional: Add food colouring to reflect Diwali’s vibrant palette.

Diwali Scent Bottles

Relevance to Diwali: These scent bottles capture the familiar smells of Diwali, such as spices and flowers, helping children engage their sense of smell in understanding the festival. Materials:

• Small clear plastic bottles

• Ground spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom)

• Flower petals (marigold or rose)

• Small labels with Diwali symbols

Instructions:

1. Fill each bottle with different spices or flower petals.

2. Seal the bottles tightly and attach Diwali-themed labels or decorations.

3. Allow children to shake and smell the bottles, identifying different scents associated with Diwali celebrations.

4. Encourage discussion about which smells they like or what the smells remind them of.
   

Diwali Scented Playdough

Relevance to Diwali: The use of vibrant colors and traditional spices like cardamom and cinnamon reflects the sensory richness and vibrancy of Diwali celebrations.

Materials:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tbsp cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• Food coloring (orange, yellow, red - Diwali colors)

• A few drops of cardamom or cinnamon essential oil for scent

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, salt, cream of tartar, and oil in a pot.

2. Add water and food coloring, and cook over low heat, stirring until it forms a dough.

3. Remove from heat and knead until smooth.

4. Add cardamom or cinnamon essential oil for a Diwali spice scent.

5. Let children shape and smell the dough, engaging their senses.

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Diwali Rangoli Salt Trays

Relevance to Diwali: Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form used during Diwali to decorate homes, symbolising happiness, positivity, and good fortune.

Materials:

• 1 cup table salt

• Food colouring (vibrant Diwali colours)

• Ziplock bags

• Tray or shallow container

Instructions:

1. Add salt to ziplock bags and mix with a few drops of food coloring.

2. Seal and shake the bags to evenly coat the salt in colour.

3. Pour the coloured salt into trays.

4. Children can use their fingers or tools to create Rangoli designs in the salt.

Diwali Spice Painting

Relevance to Diwali: The use of traditional spices like turmeric and cardamom in paint highlights the sensory aspects of Diwali and incorporates symbols of prosperity and joy.

Materials:

• Cardstock or thick paper

• Water-based paint (bright Diwali colors)

• Ground spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom)

• Paintbrushes

• Bowls for mixing

Instructions:

1. Mix paint with ground spices to create a fragrant paint mixture.

2. Let children use this to create Diwali-inspired paintings like diyas (lamps) or rangoli designs.

3. Encourage them to smell the spices as they paint, enhancing the sensory experience.

Cinnamon-Scented Diwali Dough Ornaments

Relevance to Diwali: Diya and star-shaped ornaments symbolise the lighting of lamps during Diwali, which represents the triumph of light over darkness. Materials:

• 1 cup cinnamon powder

• 1 cup applesauce

• 1/4 cup white glue

• Diya or star-shaped cookie cutters

• String for hanging (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and white glue to form a dough.

2. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to shape diya or star ornaments.

3. Let the ornaments air-dry for 24-48 hours.

4. Optional: Make a hole at the top for string before drying, to hang the ornaments as decorations.
   

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