Dussehra Special - Rooting Your Child Back Into Indian Values

The festival season has begun around the country. It is a time to celebrate, bond and relax. The season is welcomed by the countrywide Navratri celebrations. This festival is celebrated through nine days, in which the 'Shakti' form of the goddess is worshipped. The tenth day is Vijaya Dashami. This is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in the north as well as south India. It's the right moment to make your child aware of the trumph of truth over evil!

Read on to find out how the festival is celebrated in different parts of the country.

How Is Dussera Celebrated In Different Parts Of India?

Both Navratri and Durga Puja, are more secular than just religious celebrations. Huge pandals, dance, music and delicious food is a part of these festivals. Here are some different ways in which Dussehra is celebrated in India-

1. Eastern India:  Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Assam among other states. This is the time when people come out by the droves and the streets of Kolkata become a huge fashion statement for 5 days at a stretch. It is a massive party where every single person is welcomed with open arms. Food stalls line every street and rivers of cool drinks flow during this time. Dashami is the time when young respect their elders with pranam, and elders bless youngsters and wish their peers by hugging them. It is a message of universal brotherhood and love
2. Western India: In the western states, Navratri is celebrated with garba and dandiya raas dances. Dancing is an integral part of these celebrations, and young folks get an opportunity to socialize with each other during these dances
3. Southern States: Tamil Nadu brings out its 'golu' dolls to deck up homes. Golu is the practice of decoration with dolls and various toys. In Chennai, golu competitions are a big deal, with major newspapers sponsoring prizes. Saraswati puja is celebrated as a thanksgiving to Saraswati. Vijaya Dashami is considered an auspicious date for tiny tots being initiated into reading and writing. Schools, especially nursery and kindergarten schools commence their admissions on this day

How Do I Involve My Child In The Festival Celebrations & Root Him / Her Into Our Cultural Value System?

The festive season is a good time to make your child aware of our country's vast cultural heritage and engage them during their holidays as well. Here are some things you can do-

1. Visit pandals: Every city has Durga puja and Navratri celebrations. Whether or not it is part of your community culture, why not go to a puja pandal in your locality or a navratri dandiya for an evening of family fun?
2. Introduce mythology: Use this time to evoke interest in mythology. Encourage your child to read about different cultures and their mythology. There are plenty of well-written books on Indian mythology, so make a visit to your neighborhood library
3. Visit friends: Every city now has a cosmopolitan environment and you are sure to have friends or neighbors from all parts of the country. Visit a friend from a different community to not just showcase to your child about various festivals from different communities or religions, but also to set an example of unity in diversity
4. Share your culture: If you are living in a city that is not your birthplace, encourage your child to prepare a poster or chart about her community celebrations and speak to her classmates about it. Or have her invite friends to celebrate at your home. If you celebrate with a 'golu', get her to make her own 'mini' golu

Festivals evoke nostalgia, and memories of childhood fun and frolic sweep us off our feet. It is natural that you wish to give your child the same wonderful memories of festivals and celebrations and root them back into the Indian culture and value system. Try to involve them in diverse celebrations, to help them become an open-minded individual, and build some memories too.

Do you think Indian values ​​are being lost gradually and Parents wants to do something about it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!