Dussehra, a significant festival celebrated across India, presents an opportunity to embrace and enjoy cultural traditions from the comfort of your home. This year, Dussehra falls on October 24th, providing the perfect occasion for families to unite and honor their traditions. If you’re not celebrating outside and have decided to stay in, don’t worry! You can do plenty of activities at home this Dussehra to make the most out of this festive occasion and make your kids excited about the festival.

What is the Dussehra festival?

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is among the major Hindu festivals which is celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the day when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. People celebrate this day by performing various rituals and customs, including the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanad. Dussehra is also a time for Family gatherings, feasting on delicious food, and exchanging gifts with loved ones.

Exciting Activities to Do at Home During Dussehra:

Burning Ravana’s 3D-printed effigy:

Nowadays, you can easily find 3D-printed effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanad in the market or online. This Dussehra, instead of burning the traditional paper mache effigies, you can opt for these eco-friendly alternatives and make it a fun family activity. Involve your kids in painting and decorating the effigies before setting them ablaze in your own backyard. Not only will this be a unique experience, but it will also teach your children about the significance of Dussehra.

Making Rangolis:

 Rangolis are traditional Indian floor art made with colored powders or flowers that are considered to bring good luck. This Dussehra, get creative and make some vibrant rangoli designs outside your home or even in your living room. You can also involve your kids and have a competition for the best design. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist; there are many easy tutorials available online to help you create beautiful rangolis.

Cooking Festive Delicacies:

What’s a festival without some delicious food? Dussehra is the perfect time to whip up some traditional Indian dishes like gulab jamuns, barfis, or samosas. You can either cook together with your family or surprise them by preparing a scrumptious feast on your own. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make some popular dishes from different regions of India. You can also share your recipes and food pictures on social media to connect with other food enthusiasts.

Watching Ram-Leela:

Kids need to know why we celebrate Dussehra, and what better way to teach them than watching a Ram-Leela? Ram-Leela is a live theatrical performance that depicts the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Many communities and societies organize this event during Dussehra, so make sure to check for one near your locality. You can also watch it online if you prefer staying indoors. Not only will this be a fun activity for the whole family, but it will also give you an insight into Indian culture and mythology.

Hosting a Game Night:

With all the festivities happening around, it’s important to take some time to relax and have fun with your family. Host a game night at home with board games or card games like tambola. You can also play traditional Indian games like ludo, carrom, or antakshari. This will not only bring the family together but will also help you create some fond memories that you can cherish for years to come.

Exchanging Apta leaves:

One of the oldest traditions during Dussehra is the exchange of Apta leaves. According to Hindu mythology, these leaves represent friendship and are exchanged between friends and family as a symbol of love and affection. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to all those involved. These leaves are easily available in the market during Dussehra, so make sure to get some and exchange them with your loved ones. Do you know that you can also make some beautiful crafts out of these leaves? It’s a great way to get creative and bond with your family.

Puppet show:

Puppet shows are a popular form of entertainment during Dussehra, especially for children. These shows usually depict scenes from the Ramayana or other mythological stories. You can either watch a live show or create your own puppet show at home. This activity will not only keep kids entertained but will also introduce them to Indian culture and mythology in a fun and interactive way.

To summarize, there are many exciting activities that you can do at home this Dussehra. Whether it’s hosting a game night, Exchanging Apta Leaves, or putting on a puppet show, these activities will not only bring your family together but also help you celebrate the festival in a traditional and memorable way. So gather your loved ones and make this Dussehra a fun-filled and joyous occasion. 

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