As much as you would like to sit down with your child and narrate the story of the Ramayana, and Ram and Sita coming back home from Lanka to a kingdom filled with lights – let’s face it, Diwali preps leave no time for leisurely chats! If you are neck deep in Diwali preps and your kids are asking you all about why we celebrate the festival, then this is just the post you need.
So we have rounded up the best resources – videos, radio, games and even books to help your kids understand why Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals and the real story behind why we celebrate the festival of lights!
Books:
If you spend a little time before bed reading a story to your child, then make sure to pick one of these books up! These books not only narrate the story of Ramayana, but they do so in a language and manner kids will fall in love with! Don’t be surprised if they want you to read these books long after Diwali is over!
India’s oldest mythology is explained in the simplest of terms with amazing illustrations for children’s understanding. You will find your kids interested to know all about Lord Rama and why we celebrate the festival of lights with great pomp and splendour. Buy here.
Lighting A Lamp- A Diwali Story
A part of the Festival Time series, this book by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger Cohen explains how families celebrate each of the festivals and it also includes suggestions to parents on how to communicate to kids about festivals and celebrations. Ideal for 3 years and above. Buy here.
Amar Chitra Katha Series On Mythology
Who doesn’t love Amar Chitra Katha? Most of us parents have grown up on a staple diet of these books. Pick the books that talk about gods, goddesses and stories from mythology and read them to your children and turn them into huge fans too! Buy here
This series of books written by Bhakti Mathur, explain to kids in a fun and interesting narrative style (with great illustrations) about the Indian Hindu deities and festivals. A must-read this Diwali is Amma, Tell me about Ramayana
The Girl Who Chose: A New Way of Narrating the Ramayana
From getting to marry the man of her dreams, to fight against all odds- Sita had it all tough, but her persistence and belief in herself saw her through them. Through this book, Pattanaik tells us the story of Ramayana from the eyes of Sita- and how she faced the battles in her life. Read it, to find a different perspective on the classic epic.
KSP Exclusive Puppet Show
Kidsstoppress created a puppet show as a way to introduce kids to the story of Ramayana. Definitely, a must-watch!
Radio Spot for kids:
Ramayana is now in virtual reality!
Gamaya Inc. started out as a humble video game company and their quest for transforming toys-to-life has made them a much-desired virtual and 3D environment-compatible company today. Through their product- “Restore the Legend”- they intend to make traditional epics more popular in today’s world. The Legends collection is planned for characters based on the famous epic- Ramayana, which includes- Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana, Ravana, Sugriva, Anjana, Indrajit, Jatayu, and Mahiravana.
Rushita Sheth
KSP Team
Janani S Koushik
