Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a great place not just to have fireworks and sweets, but also a great learning-meets- fun time at the preschool. Young children get the opportunity to experience colour, light, culture, values, and creativity through Diwali activities that suit their age. Within this article, we speak about why Diwali is a rich learning experience, recommend some Diwali activities to kids and students, some ideas about Diwali craft activity and Diwali fun activities, and how to infuse some meaning in celebration by preschools.
Why Celebrate Diwali in Preschool?
- Cultural Awareness & Identity: Young children learn about traditions and the symbolism of light over darkness.
- Multisensory Learning: Diwali engages sight, touch, smell, and sound.
- Fine Motor & Cognitive Skills: Crafts and rangoli develop coordination.
- Values & Storytelling: Through stories, children absorb hope, kindness, and perseverance.
- Community & Social Bonding: Singing, sharing, and rituals foster empathy.
Diwali Activities for Kids / Students in Preschool
- Decorative Diya Painting: Using non-toxic paints and clay diyas.
- Rangoli with Chalk or Flowers: Simple patterns with guidance.
- Paper Lantern Craft: Folding and decorating kandils.
- Diya Stencils & Colouring: Colouring pages for pre-writing practice.
- Storytime & Puppet Show: Narrating the Ramayana’s return story.
- Light & Shadow Play: Observing shadows with LED lights.
- Musical Songs & Dance: Teaching rhymes and bhajans.
- Greeting Card & Gift Crafting: Handmade cards for family.
- “Light the Lamp” Ceremony: Safe group lighting with LED diyas.
- Sweet Sharing: Distribution of small festive treats.
Diwali Craft Activity Ideas
- Handprint rangoli patterns
- Folded paper tea-light covers
- Clay or salt dough diya moulding
- Symmetrical Diwali cutouts
- Peacock or lotus-themed collages
Diwali Fun Activities & Games
- Musical Lamps (like musical chairs)
- Pass the Light game
- Diya Balance Race
- Pattern Memory Game
- Shadow Tracing Game
- Treasure Hunt with diya cards
- Matching & Sorting Diwali symbols
Sample Preschool Diwali Celebration Schedule
- 9:00 – Invocation with LED diyas
- 9:15 – Storytime/puppet show
- 9:45 – Craft session: diya painting
- 10:15 – Snack/prasad sharing
- 10:30 – Rangoli activity
- 10:45 – Fun games (musical lamps)
- 11:15 – Songs/dance performance
- 11:30 – Card or gift making
- 11:45 – Reflection: “What does light mean to me?”
Tips for Teachers
- Prioritise safety with LED lights and non-toxic materials.
- Encourage eco-friendly crafts with recycled paper.
- Simplify activities for preschool-aged children.
- Involve parents through performances or art displays.
- Extend learning by linking Diwali themes to class lessons.
Conclusion
In preschools, it is a wonderful combination of fun and learning to celebrate Diwali. Through interesting Diwali games and crafts, which the kids can do, including songs, the children not only have fun but also get to learn more about the culture. These Diwali craft activity workshops and Diwali fun activities make Diwali a memorable, happy, and educational event for young learners.
