How to Explain the Importance of Durga Puja to Children

Key Takeaways

Importance of Durga Puja: It tells that good always triumphs over evil and woman power, courage and patience are the real strengths of life.

Tradition and Culture: Puja rituals connect children to our roots, culture and spiritual values.

Children's Learning: Children easily understand the significance of the festival through stories, dance, art and games.

Fashion and Celebration: Traditional and modern clothes of children like boys' suits, three piece suits or Indo-western dresses make their look more special on Durga Puja.

Social Unity: It is not just a puja but a beautiful occasion to connect the family and society.

Table of content

Helping Kids Understand the Spirit of Durga Puja
What Is Durga Puja and Why It’s Celebrated
The Story of Goddess Durga for Kids
Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach Children About Durga Puja
Explaining Rituals and Traditions to children
Kids’ Fashion Ideas for Durga Puja Festivities
Celebrating Durga Puja with One Friday

Helping Kids Understand the Spirit of Durga Puja

Ravi and his younger sister Meera always eagerly awaited festivals. This time, Meera asked mischievously, “Mom, why is Durga Puja celebrated? Is it just about eating sweets and wearing new clothes?”

Mom smiled and said, “Hey kids, it is not like that. Durga Puja means – good always triumphs over evil. Think about it, when we were kids, we used to wait for new clothes and toys, but looking back we realise that these festivals are also a time to celebrate our tradition and culture.”

Ravi asked with twinkling eyes, “So mom, what is the story of Durga Mata?”

Mom said lovingly, “Long ago there was a demon named Mahishasura. He had created terror on earth and heaven. Everyone was disturbed. Then Maa Durga appeared, showed her power and courage, and beat Mahishasura and brought peace and justice to the world. Truly, this story reminds us that fear and evil can be defeated.”

Mira asked curiously, “Mom, what are the dances performed during the Puja?”

Mother smiled and said, "Children, during Durga Puja there are a lot of dances, folk dances like Dhola-Dhola, Dhuniya, etc. To be honest, the children mostly remember these dances and the sweets, and then later when they remember the puja rituals, the traditions start to reside in our heart and teach us the deeper meaning of their significance.

And I still remember how much the children enjoyed dancing in these; the echoes of the chant in the house, the dholak beats, everyone laughing and playing; that is the true essence of Durga Puja!

And don't forget, just like you all feel safe and at home with a table light or a night light at night, we feel heart-light and safe when we light the wick during the aarti. The wildflowers that we thank in prayers, the bhajans that bring joy to us, the prasad that we distribute to extend that peace, they talk to connect us and help us feel loved and part of something big and beautiful."

Ravi and Meera excitedly said, “So this time too we will wear new clothes, eat sweets and watch dances, but now we will also remember the story and the message.”

Mom lovingly patted their heads and said, “Absolutely kids. That is the specialty of Durga Puja: happiness, tradition and learning, all together.”

And yes, to be honest, I still remember arguing with my brother about who looked smarter in their new clothes! That is the real fun of the festival: laughter, drama and fashion all rolled into one!

Now that Ravi and Meera have understood the true meaning of puja, let's find out

Read This Next : Last-Minute Fancy Dress Costume Ideas for Kids

What Is Durga Puja and Why It’s Celebrated

Durga Puja is one of the grandest Hindu festivals, dedicated to Goddess Durga

Goddess Durga is a representation of strength, courage and goodness.During this time, people place the beautiful idols of Goddess Durga in beautiful pandals. Along with maa Durga , Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati are also part of the Puja. The devotees offer flowers, sweets and prasad and worship Goddess Durga.

Why is Durga Puja celebrated?

Victory of good over evil:

The festival shows us that, no matter how evil seems to be growing in intensity or sheer number, good prevails every time

Symbol of women power:

Maa Durga is regarded as a form of power. Drivers of human society making the right choices, having courage and morality.

Time of harvest and prosperity:

Durga Puja takes place when harvest seasons are happening, so it represents prosperity and happiness.

Culture and enjoyment:

It is not only prayer or worship, but connects the whole society through dance, singing, fairs and cultural programs.

Spiritual larning:

During this time, people fast, sing bhajans, and pray. These rituals help devotees feel lighter, purify the soul, and remind us to live with kindness.

The Story of Goddess Durga for Kids

Many years ago, there was a demon on this earth and in heaven, Mahishasura. He was so strong and arrogant that he always said, "No one can defeat me!"

The gods were worried. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva thought, "If that is so, we will tell him like we tell stories to children."

And then, an incarnation of power came to be - Maa Durga. Maa Durga was so bright and radiant that even the sun was shy of her radiance. With weapons in her ten hands and riding a lion, she became the ultimate symbol of bravery. Mahishasura thought, "Hah! This is only a show of strength, I will defeat her easily."

But when they started the battle, Maa Durga blew the entire army of demons with her various disarming weapons. The battle commenced day after day and night after night. All the gods were humbled by her courage and bravery.

Finally, Maa Durga defeated Mahishasur and peace was restored on earth.

And yes, being honest here, the most interesting part for the children was that on the occasion of the Puja, in the midst of chanting Mata Ji's glory and drum beating, those kids remembered the Prasad-laddus things the most!

Mother used to say, "Let's be honest, children first remember the laddus and the games, and the rituals later, but it is this tradition that gradually settles in their hearts.

Highly Recommended : Children’s Day Quotes

Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach Children About Durga Puja

1. Storytelling - Night Story Time

Tell children the story of Maa Durga and Mahishasura before bedtime. To make the story more interesting, vary the volume and imitate the roar of a lion or the sound of a war. Children will take it as a game and understand it quickly.

2. Painting and Craft Activities

Ask children to draw a picture of Maa Durga or create a Durga Puja pandal with paper, colours and glitter paper. This will help them connect the festival with their imagination.

3. Dress-up Games (Kids Suits and Costumes)

Let kids wear kids suits, three-piece suits for boys, or traditional dresses and play “Pandal Hopping.” Some can be deities, dancers, or spectators.

4. Dance and Music

Give children a glimpse of Durga Puja dance like "Dhunuchi Nritya". Play dholak or dhak and ask them to dance to the beats. Children love learning with music.

5. 10 Lines on Durga Puja Activity

Ask children to recite a few lines about Durga Puja one by one. Like- “Maa Durga is the goddess of courage” or “Durga Puja is the victory of good over evil.” This will also improve their speaking skills.

6. Story Play (Drama Time)

Divide children into groups and perform a small drama of Mahishasura Vadh. One child becomes Mahishasura, another Maa Durga and the rest deities. This is the most lively way to make them understand the importance of the festival.

7. Making and distributing sweets

Make children develop the habit of making Sunday special together (like laddu or kheer) and distributing it to others. Explain that Durga Puja is not just a puja, but a festival of sharing happiness.

8. Quiz Game

Ask children questions like-

How many hands does Durga Mata have?

Who is her vehicle?

Who was Mahishasura?

In this way, while playing, they will learn a lot about puja.

Explaining Rituals and Traditions to children

1. Aarti and lighting of lamps

Tell children: “Lighting a lamp means removing darkness (evil) and bringing light (goodness).”

Tell them that just like turning on a light at night drives away fear, similarly lighting a lamp brings goodness to the mind.

2. Offering flowers

Tell children: “Flowers are the most beautiful gifts of nature. When we offer them to Goddess Durga, it symbolizes our devotion and love.”

To make it fun, ask them to identify the colors - red flowers represent power, yellow represents knowledge and white represents peace.

3. Importance of Sindoor and Turmeric

Tell: “These symbolize auspiciousness and good luck.”

You can explain it to children in a fun way by calling it “festival color powder.”

4. Dhak and Music

Tell them: “The sound of drums and conches makes the environment sacred and energetic. They remind us to be happy together.”

You can also ask children to imitate the sound of “Dhak” by clapping their hands.

5. Bhog and Prasad

Tell children: “When we offer food to Maa first, it means we are grateful. Then we all share it together so that everyone gets happiness and blessings.”

This will teach children the habit of sharing and gratitude.

6. Pranam (Salutation/touching feet)

Explain to children: “When we bow down to elders or gods and goddesses, it is a way of humility and respect. It gives us blessings and positive energy.”

Kids’ Fashion Ideas for Durga Puja Festivities

1. Traditional Dress Up

Girls: Colourful lehenga-choli, silk frock or cotton saree (short sarees) looks very cute.

Boys: Can wear dhoti-kurta or kurta-pyjama with ethnic jackets.

2. Indo-Western Style

For girls, a gown with ethnic dupatta or jacket on skirt-top.

For boys, boys suits or three piece suits for boys, which give a combination of traditional and modern.

This Girls Pink Pleated Sleeveless Glitter Layered Dress is perfect for any special occasion.

This Puja, give your children a beautiful fusion of tradition, fashion and fun!

3. Focus on Festive Colors

Bright colors like red, yellow, orange and golden look very attractive on children on Durga Puja.

For girls, fancy dresses with golden borders.

For boys, boys wear a 3 piece suit with a bright tie or pocket square.

If you’re hunting for that perfect festive outfit, One Friday’s three-piece suit collection is a lifesaver—stylish yet comfy for all-day pandal hopping.”

4. Jewellery and Accessories

Girls: Small earrings, hair accessories or floral crown.

Boys: Brooch or stylish watch on ethnic jacket.

5. Choice of Footwear

Girls- Traditional sandals or ballets.

Boys- Mojaris, loafers or colour-coordinated shoes.

5. Twinning Looks

Matching outfits of brother and sister look very cute. For example – sister is wearing a red-golden lehenga and brother is wearing a kid's suit of the same shade.

Celebrating Durga Puja with One Friday

Ethnic touch with modern style - Kids need something special during Durga Puja. One Friday's kids suits, girls dresses and Indo-western outfits are perfect for the festival.

Combination of comfort + style - Kids have to do pandal hopping, dance and have fun throughout the day during the puja. One Friday's clothes are so comfortable that kids can enjoy the whole day without any hassle.

Magic of festive colours - One Friday's dress collection in colours like red, golden, yellow and royal blue gives kids an attractive and festival-ready look.

Trending designs -

Boys three piece suits designs give a smart and royal look during the puja.

Fancy dresses, frocks and Indo-western gowns for girls add to the brightness of the puja.

Family twinning option - If brothers and sisters wear clothes in similar colours or matching patterns, then the fun of the festival increases even more. This twinning look can easily be achieved from One Friday's collection.

Conclusion

Durga Puja is not merely a festival, but a lovely way for involving children with tradition, culture and joy. It teaches the very strong lesson of good triumphing over evil and that woman power is the real strength of endurance and courage.

This year, go the extra mile to make Durga Puja a memorable event for children, values through narratives, clarify puja customs with easy analogies, and top it off with kids' smiles in colorful festive attire. The Durga Puja festival touches all corners of family, belief and fun.

Write Faqs:

1. What is the importance of Durga Puja in our life?

It gives the message of women power, courage and patience. This festival enhances brotherhood and ties family and society. Through Puja, we link the concepts of devotion and gratitude, and through our rituals we absorb life, highlighting positivity.

2. What is the mythological reason behind Durga Puja?

According to mythology, a demon named Mahishasura did severe penance and got the boon that no god can kill him. After getting the boon, he became arrogant and started oppressing heaven and earth. In the prayers of the gods, Maa Durga appeared from the powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. She rode on a lion, held weapons in ten arms and fought with Mahishasura for many days. Ultimately Maa Durga killed Mahishasura.

3. Why is Durga Puja celebrated for 10 days?

Goddess Durga is worshipped for 10 days to account for the mythology that says she fought Mahishasura for 9 days and nights with the eventual day of her victory, the last, or 10th day, of vijaydashami, was the day she killed Mahishasura. Therefore, worship of Shakti is done in the following 9 days and the festival of victory is on the 10th of Vijaydashami.

4. What is the dance of Durga Puja called?

The most famous dance of Durga Puja is called “Dhunuchi dance”. In this, devotees dance to the beats of rhythm and dhak with earthen dhunuchi (vessel filled with incense sticks and coconut chips) in their hands. This dance is a symbol of devotion, energy and joy towards Goddess Durga and adds to the splendor of the puja.

5. What are some fun activities for kids during Durga Puja?

Pandal Hopping- See the colourful pandals and beautiful idols.

Art and Craft- Drawing of Maa Durga or decorating a Puja Thali.

Dhunuchi Dance Trial- With easy steps for kids.

Storytelling- Legend of Mahishasura Mardini.

Festive Games- Raspberry Quiz, Rangoli making or playing puzzles.

Ethnic Dress-up- Festive photoshoot wearing boys suits or girls dresses.

6. What should kids wear for Durga Puja festivities?

Children can wear a mix of traditional and modern styles during Durga Puja.

For boys- smart boys suits, three piece suits or kurta-pyjamas with jackets look great on the festival.

For girls- colourful gowns, Indo-western dresses or traditional frocks add beauty.

For young children- light and comfortable clothes like cotton dresses are better so that they can enjoy the puja and pandal hopping comfortably throughout the day.

7. How can parents explain Durga Puja rituals to children?

The easiest way is to explain to children not in difficult words but through stories and examples.

Aarti and Mantra - Tell children that by singing Aarti we thank the mother.

Prasad - Explain that sharing Prasad is a symbol of love and equality.

Sindoor Khela - Explain that it is a ritual of blessing married women.

Dhak and Dance - Say that it is a symbol of happiness and celebration.

Vijayadashami - Explain that on this day good won over evil.

Author Bio

The One Friday Editorial Team brings years of experience in children's fashion and retail to deliver well-researched, trustworthy content. We carefully curate style tips, product insights, and practical advice to help parents make informed choices for their children's wardrobes. Dedicated to quality and authenticity, we ensure every post reflects One Friday's commitment to comfort, style, and the evolving needs of families.