As much as I love teaching my kids about culture and tradition, there is nothing like a good old book that can help in making them understand much better. We live in a world where kids well at least some of them would not have access to experience the essence of the festivity’s books can help them understand the reason behind the celebration came into place, how to celebrate, and what preparations need to be done.
Here are some books that I came across and I’m sure you would enjoy some of them too.
FESTIVALS OF INDIA from Sonia Mehta’s Discover India series
The book unravels the vibrant tapestry of India’s diverse festivities. The book takes readers on a journey through all the festivities. With vivid descriptions and captivating illustrations, the book brings alive each festival from Holi and Diwali.
The Author weaves fascinating stories and legends associated with each festival. Through this, the children learn customs, traditions, and the joy of coming together to celebrate the festivals.
The book is perfect for little minds to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. The book strikes a perfect balance between information and entertainment.
FESTIVALS THROUGH THE YEAR by Rachna Chhabria
Through the eyes of twins, Natasha and Nikhil this book helps little minds explore the cultural heritage of the country and celebrate it.
Starting with Lohri in January to Christmas in December, Natasha and Nikhil explore festivals throughout the year.
The book is a treasure to cherish and revisit because of the detailed descriptions and wealth of information it contains about each of the festivals.
Young readers are introduced to rituals and joy associated with each festival along with explaining the significance.
Right from Holi to Diwali the child understands the traditions and customs.
Not only that Natasha and Nikhil record their experiences of the festivities on a blog.
Their observations add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
AMMA, TELL ME ABOUT FESTIVAL series by Bhakti Mathur
This set is a lovely find for book readers. Fortunate to have had the chance to review these books, what caught my attention was the colorful illustrations, simple text, and engaging story narration.
Holi, Diwali, and Ramayana are the books in this series where the mother tells the children the story of how the festival came into existence.
Klaka and Kiki, the two siblings settle down for a story from Amma where she weaves a charming story on a delightful journey to celebrate Holi and Diwali.
SHE CELEBRATES
This book is an anthology of 21 stories by women across the world who are of Indian origin. Each of these stories has a backdrop of an Indian festival like Lohri, Sankranti, Teej, Onam, and Vishu to name a few. What I loved the most was the recipe at the end of each chapter associated with the festival. The illustrations were good too.
These are some of the books that had a festive background, caught my attention, and remain a favorite to me and my kids though these books were published long ago. But that’s what books are for right? To be remembered for time immemorial and to be revisited often.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by Rakhi and Samata Dey Bose .
That Madras Mom 
Your selection of books truly highlights the magic of storytelling and its ability to connect children with the rich tapestry of Indian culture and tradition. As a parent myself, I couldn’t agree more with the importance of using books to help children understand the significance of festivals, especially in today’s world where not everyone may have the opportunity to experience them firsthand. Thank you for sharing these wonderful recommendations.
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She Celebrates seems to be interesting read. Stories that too with recipes is an interesting and new concept. How wonderful it is that every corner of India not only has colorful festivals but also food specific to the areas and festivals. Amazing recommendations.
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You have introduced me to ‘She Celebrates’.I would certainly like to read this anthology by 21 women who cover all aspects of the festivals. I am familiar with Bhakti Mathur’s series, and the books are very colourful and educative.
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I’ve bought books by Sonai Mehta and Bhakti Mathur for my kids and they are a thorough delight to read. I will check into She Celebrates as I’ve nt come across it before.
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There are less amount of books written covering the entire India’s festivals. So, I was searching for one to get a comprehensive understanding without any distortions. Finally, you have helped me. The author is new to me but as you pen down that this book will take us on a journey through all the festivities have actually solved my ado
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I’ve read the Amma Series and loved the illustrations. Its important to read books that discuss rituals and festivals we celebrate so as to keep the knowledge of one’s culture alive, and pass it on to the next generation. Adding these to my tbr.
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Delightful and informative, you have beautifully introduced books that are based on Indian festivals dedicated as a learning tool to children through storytelling. I can see that these books with its vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, is a fantastic resource for parents and educators seeking to share cultural traditions in an accessible way to kids. I’m sure these will be helpful to adults too!
Niveditha Preeth
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i have the Bhakti Mathur book. It’s captivating! Would love to read the other two as well. They are well known names and the covers look intriguing. Yes I judge books by their covers 🤣
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FESTIVALS THROUGH THE YEAR by Rachna Chhabria by sounds pretty interesting, especially considering that its being narrated through the POV of the twins. Kids always have the best version of any story to narrate.
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Wow! I wasn’t aware there are many authors who have written books on festivals of India. I have read Bhakti Mathur’ books but didn’t know about FESTIVALS OF INDIA from Sonia Mehta. I’ll get this book soon
As you mentioned children books are difficult to present and interesting to read. SHE CELEBRATES title grabbed my attention love to read that too…!!!
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