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Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Lohri / Magh Bihu
Also called: Uttarayan, Khichdi, Poush Sankranti
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: Mid-January (Lohri on the eve). One of the few festivals tied to the solar calendar, so the date stays almost fixed.
Who and where: Across India, under many regional names.
Background: Marks the Sun's move into Capricorn (Makara) and the start of longer days. It is a thanksgiving for the winter harvest.
Rituals and practices: Bonfires, kite flying, holy dips in rivers, offerings to the Sun, gifting sesame-jaggery sweets, and honouring cattle.
Regional variations: Punjab: Lohri bonfires with popcorn and rewri. Tamil Nadu: four days of Pongal, with rice boiled until it overflows, and Mattu Pongal for cattle. Gujarat: Uttarayan kite battles. Assam: Magh Bihu feasts and meji bonfires.
Foods: Til laddu, sweet pongal, gud chikki, pitha
Crafts and activities: Make paper kites, draw a harvest rangoli, or create a harvest collage. Family activity: a gratitude harvest journal.
Respectful participation: Use paper or cotton kite string. Glass-coated manja harms birds and people.
Family discussion: What is one thing our family is thankful for from the past year?
Republic Day
Also called: Gantantra Diwas
National / civic
When: 26 January, every year.
Who and where: All of India and Indian communities worldwide.
Background: Celebrates the day the Constitution came into force in 1950, making India a republic.
Rituals and practices: Flag hoisting, the grand parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi with tableaux from the states, the Beating Retreat ceremony, and school events.
Regional variations: States hold their own parades in their capitals.
Foods: Tricolour-themed snacks (saffron, white and green layers)
Crafts and activities: Make a tricolour paper fan or flag bookmark. Read the Preamble together.
Respectful participation: Follow the Flag Code: never let the flag touch the ground, and dispose of paper flags respectfully.
Family discussion: What does it mean to be a responsible citizen?
Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja
Also called: Basant Panchami, Shri Panchami
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: Late January or February (fifth day of the bright half of Magha).
Who and where: North and East India, especially Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Punjab.
Background: Welcomes spring and honours Saraswati, goddess of learning, music and the arts.
Rituals and practices: Wearing yellow, placing books and instruments before Saraswati, children's first writing ceremony (vidyarambh), and kite flying in Punjab.
Regional variations: Bengal's schools hold Saraswati Puja. Punjab celebrates Basant with kites.
Foods: Yellow saffron rice, kesari halwa, boondi
Crafts and activities: Write a poem, learn a simple raga, or decorate a study space.
Respectful participation: Visitors to a puja may be offered prasad; accept it with your right hand.
Family discussion: What would you like to learn this year?
Maha Shivaratri
Also called: The great night of Shiva
Hindu
When: February or March (new-moon night of Phalguna / Magha).
Who and where: All over India and Nepal, and Hindu communities worldwide.
Background: A night devoted to Shiva, associated with stories of his cosmic dance and his marriage to Parvati.
Rituals and practices: Fasting, night-long prayers and chanting, and offering water, milk and bilva leaves to the Shiva linga.
Regional variations: Huge gatherings at Varanasi, Ujjain and Somnath, and fairs at Mandi (Himachal).
Foods: Fasting foods: sabudana khichdi, fruit, thandai
Crafts and activities: Make a simple Shiva-themed art project, such as a crescent moon and the Ganga in his hair, or learn a bhajan.
Respectful participation: Temples get very crowded at night; keep children close and follow queue rules.
Family discussion: Why do you think people stay awake all night to pray?
Holi
Also called: Festival of colours, Dol Jatra, Phagwah
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: February or March (full moon of Phalguna).
Who and where: Across India, Nepal and the diaspora; huge in Braj (Mathura–Vrindavan).
Background: Celebrates spring, the victory of good over evil (Prahlad and Holika), and the playful love of Radha and Krishna.
Rituals and practices: Holika Dahan bonfire on the first night; the next day people play with colours and water, visit friends and forgive old quarrels.
Regional variations: Barsana: Lathmar Holi. Bengal: Dol Jatra with songs. Punjab: Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival of martial skill held the day after. Manipur: Yaoshang.
Foods: Gujiya, thandai, dahi bhalla, malpua
Crafts and activities: Do colour-mixing art and make eco-friendly Holi cards.
Respectful participation: Use natural, skin-safe colours. Always ask before putting colour on someone. Consent matters, and some people prefer not to play.
Family discussion: How can we celebrate in a way that is fun for everyone?
Ram Navami
Hindu
When: March or April (ninth day of Chaitra).
Who and where: All over India, especially Ayodhya.
Background: Celebrates the birth of Rama, hero of the Ramayana.
Rituals and practices: Ramayana recitations, bhajans, temple decorations, processions and community meals.
Regional variations: In the south, Rama's wedding (Sita Kalyanam) is also celebrated. Chaitra Navratri ends on this day.
Foods: Panakam, kosambari, panjiri
Crafts and activities: Create a Ramayana story map that traces Rama's journey from Ayodhya to Lanka and back.
Respectful participation: Many devotees fast; offer simple food without onion and garlic if hosting.
Family discussion: Which Ramayana character do you admire, and why?
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Cheti Chand / Navreh
Also called: Regional new years
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: March or April (first day of the lunar month Chaitra).
Who and where: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Goa, Sindhi communities and Kashmiri Pandits.
Background: The new year in many lunisolar calendars, a time for fresh starts.
Rituals and practices: Ugadi: eating ugadi pachadi, whose six tastes stand for life's mix of experiences. Gudi Padwa: raising a gudi (a decorated pole) outside homes. Cheti Chand: honours Jhulelal. Navreh: the Kashmiri Pandit new year.
Regional variations: Each region has its own almanac (panchanga) reading for the year.
Foods: Ugadi pachadi, puran poli, shrikhand, holige
Crafts and activities: Make a family "new year goals" chart.
Respectful participation: Greet people with the regional greeting, e.g. "Ugadi shubhakankshalu" or "Gudi Padwa chya shubhechha."
Family discussion: Life has sweet, bitter and sour moments. How do we handle each?
Eid al-Fitr
Also called: Ramzan Eid, Meethi Eid
Islamic
When: Follows the Islamic lunar calendar and moves about 11 days earlier each year. It fell around 20 March in 2026 and is expected around 9–10 March in 2027.
Who and where: Muslim communities across India and the world.
Background: Marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer and reflection.
Rituals and practices: Special morning prayers, giving zakat al-fitr (charity) before prayers, new clothes, visiting family and friends, and sharing sweets.
Regional variations: Old Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Kozhikode are famous for festive markets and food.
Foods: Sheer khurma, sewaiyan, biryani, haleem
Crafts and activities: Make an Eid greeting card and talk about generosity.
Respectful participation: Greet with "Eid Mubarak." During Ramadan, avoid eating in front of someone who is fasting, if you can.
Family discussion: Why might giving to others be part of a celebration?
Vaisakhi / Baisakhi
Also called: Sikh New Year
SikhHarvest & seasonal
When: 13 or 14 April (solar calendar).
Who and where: Punjab and Sikh communities worldwide; also a harvest festival across north India.
Background: Celebrates the rabi harvest and commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's founding of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699.
Rituals and practices: Gurdwara visits, nagar kirtan processions led by the Panj Pyare, langar (free community kitchen), bhangra and gidda dances.
Regional variations: Huge celebrations at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur.
Foods: Sarson da saag, makki di roti, kheer, langar dal
Crafts and activities: Learn about langar and organise a family service project.
Respectful participation: Cover your head and remove shoes in a gurdwara. Everyone is welcome at langar.
Family discussion: Why might eating together, sitting side by side, matter?
Tamil New Year / Vishu / Pohela Boishakh / Bohag Bihu
Also called: Puthandu, Vishu, Bengali New Year, Rongali Bihu
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: Around 14–15 April (solar calendar).
Who and where: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha (Pana Sankranti) and others.
Background: New-year and spring festivals tied to the Sun's entry into Aries.
Rituals and practices: Vishu: waking to see the vishukkani, an auspicious arrangement of fruit, gold and flowers. Puthandu: kolam and a festive meal. Bohag Bihu: Bihu dance and songs. Pohela Boishakh: processions and new account books for businesses.
Regional variations: Each region dresses, cooks and greets differently, which makes this a great festival for comparing.
Foods: Mango pachadi, Vishu sadya, panta bhat, pitha
Crafts and activities: Create a "regional festival passport" with a stamp for each new year you learn about.
Respectful participation: Learn each greeting: "Puthandu Vazhthukkal," "Vishu Ashamsakal," "Shubho Noboborsho."
Family discussion: Which family traditions mark a fresh start for us?
Mahavir Jayanti
Jain
When: March or April (13th day of the bright half of Chaitra).
Who and where: Jain communities, especially Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Background: Celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who taught ahimsa (non-violence), truth and non-possessiveness.
Rituals and practices: Temple visits, processions with Mahavira's image, prayers, and charity such as feeding animals.
Regional variations: Major events at Palitana, Mount Abu and Shravanabelagola.
Foods: Simple Jain meals without root vegetables
Crafts and activities: Practise one act of ahimsa every day for a week.
Respectful participation: If hosting Jain guests, ask about food: many avoid onion, garlic, potatoes and eating after sunset.
Family discussion: How can small choices reduce harm to other living beings?
Easter
Christian
When: March or April (changes each year).
Who and where: Christian communities, especially Kerala, Goa, Northeast India and Tamil Nadu.
Background: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, after Holy Week and Good Friday.
Rituals and practices: Church services, an Easter vigil, family meals and sharing eggs and sweets.
Regional variations: Kerala and Goa have distinctive Holy Week processions and foods.
Foods: Kerala appam and stew, Goan sweets
Crafts and activities: Decorate eggs or paper eggs with Indian art patterns.
Respectful participation: Good Friday is a solemn day; greet people with "Happy Easter" on Sunday.
Family discussion: What does new beginning mean to you?
Buddha Purnima / Vesak
Also called: Buddha Jayanti
Buddhist
When: April or May (full moon of Vaishakha).
Who and where: Buddhist communities, especially at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sikkim and Ladakh.
Background: Remembers the birth, enlightenment and passing (parinirvana) of the Buddha.
Rituals and practices: Meditation, monastery visits, dana (giving), lighting lamps, and listening to teachings on compassion.
Regional variations: In Ladakh and Sikkim there are colourful monastery celebrations.
Foods: Kheer (recalling Sujata's offering of rice-milk to the Buddha)
Crafts and activities: Try a five-minute breathing exercise and a kindness challenge.
Respectful participation: Walk clockwise around stupas, and speak softly in meditation halls.
Family discussion: How do you feel after a few minutes of quiet breathing?
Eid al-Adha
Also called: Bakrid, Eid-ul-Zuha
Islamic
When: About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr; moves about 11 days earlier each year (around 27 May in 2026; expected mid-May in 2027).
Who and where: Muslim communities across India.
Background: Remembers Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.
Rituals and practices: Eid prayers, qurbani (sacrifice), and sharing meat with family, neighbours and people in need.
Regional variations: Regional dishes vary widely, from Hyderabadi to Malabar to Kashmiri.
Foods: Biryani, sheer khurma, kebabs
Crafts and activities: Talk about sharing: plan how your family could share a meal with someone who needs it.
Respectful participation: Greet with "Eid Mubarak."
Family discussion: What does it mean to share what we have?
Mother's Day and Family Appreciation
Family & modern
When: Second Sunday of May (a modern, optional observance).
Who and where: Urban India and the diaspora.
Background: A modern day to thank mothers, grandmothers and all who care for us.
Rituals and practices: Cards, special meals and time together.
Regional variations: Many families also honour grandmothers and aunts.
Foods: A favourite family recipe
Crafts and activities: Interview a grandparent about family traditions and recipes, and record it.
Respectful participation: Families come in many forms, so celebrate whoever cares for you.
Family discussion: What is one recipe or story we should never forget?
Ganga Dussehra
Also called: Gangavataran
Hindu
When: May or June (tenth day of the bright half of Jyeshtha).
Who and where: Along the Ganga, especially Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi and Prayagraj.
Background: Celebrates the descent of the river Ganga from heaven to Earth.
Rituals and practices: Holy dips, evening aarti with floating lamps on the river, and charity.
Regional variations: Grand aartis at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar.
Foods: Seasonal fruit and sherbets
Crafts and activities: Take a water-conservation pledge and do a river-cleanup learning project.
Respectful participation: Avoid leaving plastic or offerings that pollute the river.
Family discussion: How can we care for rivers near where we live?
Rath Yatra
Also called: Chariot Festival
Hindu
When: June or July (second day of the bright half of Ashadha).
Who and where: Puri, Odisha; also Ahmedabad and diaspora cities worldwide.
Background: Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra travel on huge wooden chariots to the Gundicha temple.
Rituals and practices: Thousands pull the chariots with ropes, with kirtan, drums and community celebration.
Regional variations: New chariots are built in Puri every year by hereditary craftspeople.
Foods: Mahaprasad from the Jagannath temple kitchen; khaja
Crafts and activities: Make a miniature rath (chariot) from a shoebox.
Respectful participation: Crowds are enormous; follow safety instructions and keep children close.
Family discussion: Why might the gods come out of the temple to meet everyone?
Guru Purnima
Also called: Vyasa Purnima
HinduBuddhistJain
When: June or July (full moon of Ashadha).
Who and where: Across India, in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.
Background: Honours teachers and gurus. It is linked to the sage Vyasa, and Buddhists remember the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath.
Rituals and practices: Thanking teachers, visiting gurus, music performances and study.
Regional variations: Music and dance students honour their gurus with special performances.
Foods: Simple sweets shared with teachers
Crafts and activities: Write a gratitude letter to a teacher or elder.
Family discussion: Who has taught you something important outside school?
Hariyali Teej / Sawan Festivals
Also called: Shravan, Teej
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: July or August, during the monsoon month of Shravan.
Who and where: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana.
Background: Celebrates the monsoon, greenery and the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Rituals and practices: Swings hung from trees, folk songs, mehndi, green clothing and fasting by some women.
Regional variations: Jaipur holds a famous Teej procession. Kanwar Yatra pilgrims carry Ganga water in Shravan.
Foods: Ghevar, malpua
Crafts and activities: Go on a monsoon nature walk and make leaf-art.
Respectful participation: Fasting is a personal choice; never pressure anyone.
Family discussion: What changes do you notice in nature during the rainy season?
Raksha Bandhan
Also called: Rakhi
HinduFamily & modern
When: August (full moon of Shravan).
Who and where: North and West India especially, and the diaspora.
Background: Celebrates bonds of affection and protection between siblings.
Rituals and practices: Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, siblings exchange gifts and promises, and families share sweets.
Regional variations: Many families include cousins, sisters tying rakhis to each other, and close friends. All family structures are welcome.
Foods: Kheer and festive sweets
Crafts and activities: Make a handmade rakhi using thread, beads and recycled materials.
Family discussion: How do we look out for each other in our family?
Independence Day
Also called: Swatantrata Diwas
National / civic
When: 15 August, every year.
Who and where: All of India and the diaspora.
Background: Marks the end of British rule in 1947.
Rituals and practices: The Prime Minister raises the flag at the Red Fort, flag hoisting everywhere, kite flying in some cities, and cultural programmes.
Regional variations: Kite flying is a big Independence Day tradition in Delhi and parts of north India.
Foods: Tricolour sweets
Crafts and activities: Hold a family discussion on what freedom and responsibility mean.
Respectful participation: Follow the Flag Code.
Family discussion: Which freedoms do we enjoy, and what responsibilities come with them?
Krishna Janmashtami
Also called: Gokulashtami
Hindu
When: August or September (eighth day of the dark half of Bhadrapada).
Who and where: Across India; especially Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, Maharashtra and Udupi.
Background: Celebrates the birth of Krishna at midnight.
Rituals and practices: Fasting, devotional songs, cradles for baby Krishna, midnight prayers and dramatic re-enactments.
Regional variations: Maharashtra: Dahi handi, where human pyramids break a pot of curd. South India: rice-flour footprints leading into the home.
Foods: Makhan mishri, panjiri, seedai, chakli
Crafts and activities: Learn a Krishna bhajan and make a paper flute craft.
Respectful participation: Dahi handi pyramids can be risky; children should watch rather than climb.
Family discussion: Krishna stories show mischief and wisdom. Which story do you like best?
Onam
HinduHarvest & seasonal
When: August or September (Malayalam month of Chingam), over about ten days.
Who and where: Kerala and Malayali communities everywhere, across faiths.
Background: Kerala's harvest festival, welcoming back the beloved King Mahabali, linked with the Vamana story.
Rituals and practices: Pookalam (flower carpets), the grand Onam Sadya on banana leaves, Vallam Kali snake-boat races, Pulikali tiger dancers and Thiruvathira dance.
Regional variations: Celebrated by Malayalis of all religions, which makes it a true state festival.
Foods: Avial, olan, sambar, payasam, banana chips
Crafts and activities: Make a flower-rangoli using paper petals if fresh flowers are unavailable.
Respectful participation: In a sadya, eat with your right hand and fold the leaf towards you when finished to show you enjoyed it.
Family discussion: What would a land where everyone is treated equally look like?
Ganesh Chaturthi
Also called: Vinayaka Chaturthi
Hindu
When: August or September (fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada); lasts up to 10 days.
Who and where: Maharashtra especially, plus Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the diaspora.
Background: Celebrates Ganesha, remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings. Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularised public celebrations in the 1890s.
Rituals and practices: Installing clay images at home and in community pandals, daily prayers and aarti, and immersion (visarjan) at the end.
Regional variations: Mumbai and Pune have famous public pandals.
Foods: Ukadiche modak, puran poli, karanji
Crafts and activities: Make a clay or recycled-material Ganesha, and write a "remover of obstacles" goal for the year.
Respectful participation: Choose eco-friendly clay idols and immerse them in a bucket or artificial tank to protect lakes and seas.
Family discussion: What obstacle would you like to overcome this year?
Navratri
Also called: Nine nights; Sharad Navratri
Hindu
When: September or October (bright half of Ashwin).
Who and where: Across India, in many different forms.
Background: Nine nights honouring the Goddess (Devi) in her many forms, ending with Vijayadashami.
Rituals and practices: Fasting, music, dance and worship.
Regional variations: Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya (Garba is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, 2023). Bengal: Durga Puja. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Kolu/Golu doll displays. North India: Ramlila.
Foods: Sabudana vada, kuttu puri, sundal
Crafts and activities: Learn one Garba step or create a Devi-themed artwork.
Respectful participation: Garba nights welcome visitors; follow the circle direction and join in.
Family discussion: What qualities of strength do you admire in people around you?
Durga Puja / Dussehra / Vijayadashami
Also called: Dasara
Hindu
When: September or October (end of Navratri).
Who and where: Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Tripura for Durga Puja; Ramlila and Dussehra across the north; Dasara in Mysuru.
Background: Celebrates the victory of good over evil: Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Rama's victory over Ravana.
Rituals and practices: Elaborate pandals and pandal-hopping, Ramlila performances, burning effigies of Ravana, and Ayudha Puja (honouring tools and books).
Regional variations: Kolkata: Durga Puja, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2021. Mysuru: royal Dasara procession. Kullu: week-long Dussehra fair.
Foods: Bhog khichuri, labra, sandesh, jalebi
Crafts and activities: Build a Durga Puja pandal model or a Ramlila storyboard.
Respectful participation: Pandals are open to all; queue patiently and don't touch the idols.
Family discussion: What does "good winning over evil" look like in everyday life?
Karwa Chauth
Hindu
When: October or November (fourth day after the full moon of Kartik).
Who and where: Some communities in North India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi).
Background: A day when some married women fast for their husbands' well-being.
Rituals and practices: Fasting from sunrise to moonrise, listening to the Karwa Chauth story, and breaking the fast after seeing the moon.
Regional variations: Practised differently across families. Some couples fast together, and many families don't observe it.
Foods: Sargi (pre-dawn meal), mathri, feni
Crafts and activities: Explore how different families show care for one another.
Respectful participation: Observing it is a personal choice; respect people who do and people who don't.
Family discussion: What are different ways people show love and care?
Diwali / Deepavali
Also called: Festival of Lights
HinduSikhJain
When: October or November (new moon of Kartik), usually over five days.
Who and where: All over India and the diaspora; also important to Sikhs and Jains.
Background: Celebrates light over darkness and new beginnings. Many remember Rama's return to Ayodhya, the goddess Lakshmi, or Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Jains mark Mahavira's nirvana; Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, Guru Hargobind's release from Gwalior Fort.
Rituals and practices: Lighting diyas, rangoli, Lakshmi Puja, new clothes, sharing sweets, and visiting family.
Regional variations: South India: Naraka Chaturdashi oil bath. Bengal: Kali Puja. Gujarat: the new year begins. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj follow. UNESCO added Deepavali to its intangible cultural heritage list in December 2025.
Foods: Laddu, chakli, murukku, karanji, mathri
Crafts and activities: Paint diyas, make rangoli and paper lanterns. Family activity: a gratitude lamp ritual and a charity drive.
Respectful participation: Choose low-noise, low-smoke celebrations; firecrackers distress pets, elders and people with breathing problems.
Family discussion: What "light" can we bring into someone else's life this year?
Chhath Puja
Hindu
When: October or November (six days after Diwali).
Who and where: Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Nepal's Terai, and migrants from these regions everywhere.
Background: Four days of worship of the Sun (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, giving thanks for life and health.
Rituals and practices: Strict fasting, standing in rivers or ponds to offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun, and folk songs.
Regional variations: Riverbanks in Patna and ghats in cities like Delhi and Mumbai fill with devotees.
Foods: Thekua, rasiao-kheer, seasonal fruit
Crafts and activities: Watch a sunrise together and share what you're grateful for.
Respectful participation: Ghats are sacred and crowded; don't photograph devotees without permission.
Family discussion: Why might people thank the Sun?
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Also called: Gurpurab, Prakash Utsav
Sikh
When: October or November (full moon of Kartik).
Who and where: Sikh communities everywhere; especially Punjab and Nankana Sahib.
Background: Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, who taught equality, honest work and sharing.
Rituals and practices: Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), nagar kirtan processions, kirtan and langar.
Regional variations: The Golden Temple is lit up beautifully.
Foods: Kada prasad, langar meals
Crafts and activities: Plan a family seva project.
Respectful participation: Cover your head and remove shoes in a gurdwara; all are welcome.
Family discussion: What does "sharing what you earn" mean to you?
Children's Day
Also called: Bal Diwas
National / civicFamily & modern
When: 14 November, every year.
Who and where: Schools across India.
Background: Marks the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, who often spoke about children's education and wellbeing.
Rituals and practices: School celebrations, performances and teachers entertaining students.
Foods: Children's favourite snacks
Crafts and activities: Hold a kids' talent showcase or story-writing contest.
Family discussion: What makes childhood special?
Christmas
Also called: Bada Din
Christian
When: 25 December, every year.
Who and where: Christians across India (especially Goa, Kerala, the Northeast, Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Kolkata) and many others who join in.
Background: Celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Rituals and practices: Midnight Mass, carol singing, stars hung outside homes, cribs (nativity scenes) and family meals.
Regional variations: Goa: kuswar sweet platters. Kerala: paper star lanterns and plum cake. Kolkata: lights on Park Street. Northeast: community feasts.
Foods: Plum cake, kulkuls, neureos, rose cookies
Crafts and activities: Make a Christmas card in an Indian art style (Warli or Madhubani).
Respectful participation: Visitors are welcome at many churches for carols; dress modestly.
Family discussion: How do different communities share their festivals with neighbours?
Winter Festivals and Year-End Reflection
Harvest & seasonalFamily & modern
When: Late December.
Who and where: Everywhere.
Background: A time to prepare for January's harvest festivals and reflect on the year.
Rituals and practices: Preparing for Pongal and Lohri, winter fairs, and family get-togethers.
Regional variations: Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (early December) celebrates Naga cultures.
Foods: Gajar halwa, sarson da saag, til sweets
Crafts and activities: Make a family heritage time capsule and an annual gratitude journal.
Family discussion: Which moments from this year should go in our time capsule?
