Kids Navratri: 9 Easy Ways to Make It Magical

Nine nights. Nine forms of Maa Durga. Endless days trying to get your child to sit still for the puja. (If you’ve been celebrating Navratri with your kids, you know exactly what I mean.)

But here’s what I’ve also discovered: when you stop trying to make it perfect and just let them be, the festival comes alive in a way no pandal or decoration ever could. Their imaginations surprise us, and their interpretations of everything in the puja are marvellous.

So this year, I decided to write it all down. The stories, the colours, the crafts, the food, the mantras – everything we do or try to do at home, and everything I wish someone had told me when we started doing it with Vaidik.

Navratri in India

Like any other festival in India, it is also mainly centred around changing seasons, and it marks the transition from monsoon to winter or the cooler months. Navratri is widely celebrated in India, but most popularly across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Indian festival days are filled with lots of devotion, music and art.

When I lived in Kolkata, I saw hundreds of pandals decorated with some themes, like recycled glass, clay pots, etc that I could barely have imagined. This is a time when the entire state comes together to celebrate, dance and eat. A common story that goes around in Bengal is that these are the days when Maa comes to her home, her mayka, and then, at the end of these nine days, she returns to Kailash.

Meanwhile, Gujarat celebrates the nine days with garba and dandiya. The scale at which they perform the raas is mind-blowing. Their joy, their devotion and the dance beats are infectious.

Perfect themed playdate idea – So, try to host a mini garba for your kids, their friends and family. They will love it. Try some of the activities given below.

Navratri Main Story – Triumph of Good over Evil

Long ago, a demon king named Mahishasur – who could change into a giant buffalo – waged a war against the gods. Eventually he won and took over the heavens. And the gods, for all their power, couldn’t beat him alone.

So they did something extraordinary. They combined all their energies, every bit of light and strength they had and from that came Goddess Durga. Radiant, fierce, unstoppable, she was armed with weapons gifted by every god and rode a lion.

She faced Mahishasur, who kept changing forms to escape her. However, she didn’t flinch. Instead, she leapt on him, pressed him down, and finished him.

So, that is why she is called Mahishasuramardini – the one who slew Mahishasur.

Navratri Story with kids- Dadi Finds Morals in our Mythology

Dadi always explains to Vaidik in simple words how these stories are a moral lesson for him and what he can learn from them. She explained very politely that infact Mahishasur isn’t just a demon in a story. He represents the behaviours inside us, like jealousy, greed, laziness, arrogance or unkindness. On the contrary, Durga is a part of us that can rise above all of that.

After thinking for a while he said, “So she’s like a superhero, but also inside us?”. Actually, we want him to know these stories because he needs to know more than just the superheroes from movies and cartoons.

One of my favourite parts of Navratri is introducing Vaidik to the nine forms of Maa Durga. Each day has a different form of the Goddess, with its own stories, symbolism and traditions.

Some External Help: Navratri Stories for Kids

Nighttime stories have always been part of our sleep routine; however, festivals like Navratri and Diwali need their own special stories. You can find many of these in books or on YouTube, or connect with a few content creators who focus on traditional storytelling with practical day-to-day lessons. Since the beginning of this year I have been listening to night-time stories from Dipali at Forgottenrootsindia(best for kids); this Navratri, I am also listening to Kriti’s Kosmic Trinity Navratri Program (good for mums for a reset).

To begin with, I connect each form to something he understands in his everyday life. These are the simple lessons I share with him before bedtime:

1. Day 1 : Shailputri: New beginnings, like the first day of school; opportunities to grow and self-realize.
2. Day 2 : Brahmacharini: Patience, dedication and learning.
3. Day 3 : Chandraghanta: Courage and confidence.
4. Day 4 : Kushmanda: Creativity, light and the joy of creation.
5. Day 5 : Skandamata: A mother’s love and protective care.
6. Day 6 : Katyayani: Courage to stand up for what is right.
7. Day 7 : Kalaratri: Facing our fears.
8. Day 8 : Mahagauri: Peace, purity and serenity. I find her sorted.
9. Day 9 : Siddhidatri: Wisdom and spiritual fulfilment.

These are my child-friendly interpretations, not a substitute for the richer stories and traditions associated with each form.

Navratri Stories With Kids – Daily Version

Maa Shailputri

Also called Maa Parvati. She was believed to be a reincarnation of Devi Sati, the daughter of Daksh. Parvati was a beautiful princess who was born to the king of the mountains (Parvat/Shail), and she was determined to marry Lord Shiva. Even as a child, she demonstrated immense courage and willpower, like the mountains. She did not give up her desire to marry Shiv Ji in the cold snow or scary forests. Hence, she was called Shailputri. She stands for strength, patience and everlasting devotion to Lord Shiva.

Maa Brahmacharini

As Goddess Parvati desired to marry Lord Shiva, she was focused on her ultimate goal of winning his heart. She spent thousands of years practising intense penance (tapasya). At first, she survived by eating only fruits and flowers, then only dry leaves, and eventually, she gave up food and water completely. Her name means a student or seeker who walks the path of sacred discipline. She symbolises deep focus, self-control and emotional strength.

Maa Chandraghanta

On their wedding day, Lord Shiva arrived with a strange, scary procession of ghosts and ascetics. When Goddess Parvati was getting ready to marry Lord Shiva, she placed a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead (chandra means moon, ghanta means bell). To calm Lord Shiva, soothe the wedding guests, and protect her family, Parvati took on this fierce yet grand form.

Maa Kushmanda

Long ago, before anything existed, the universe was completely dark and empty. Then, Goddess Kushmanda gave a gentle, sweet smile. Her smile radiated warmth and light into the dark void, creating the cosmic egg (anda) and bringing the stars, planets and all life into being. She is the source of all energy, life force and light in the cosmos.

Maa Skandamata

She is the mother of Lord Skanda (also called Kartikeya or Murugan), who became the chief commander of the gods’ army. To train her young son so he could defeat evil forces, she took on this caring yet strong warrior-mother form. She represents the powerful combination of protective motherly love and fierce strength.

Maa Katyayani

A wise sage named Katyayan prayed deeply for many years so the Goddess would be born as his daughter. Pleased by his devotion, she appeared from the combined anger and glowing flames of the divine Trinity – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva – to destroy the powerful demon Mahishasur. She is a brave warrior goddess who destroys ego, injustice and evil.

Maa Kalaratri

To fight the dangerous demons Chanda, Munda and Raktabeej (whose drops of spilled blood instantly created thousands more demons), Goddess Parvati shed her golden outer skin. She transformed into a dark, fierce form to swallow up darkness and destroy all evil. Even though her look is frightening, she is called Shubhankari (the bringer of good) because she grants safety and fearlessness to her followers.

Maa Mahagauri

After the intense battles against the demons were won, Maa Kalaratri washed herself in the sacred waters of the River Ganges. By the grace of Lord Brahma, she regained her bright, snow-white, glowing complexion. She stands for purity, peace, calmness and the harmonious balance between Shiva and Shakti.

Maa Siddhidatri

At the very start of creation, Lord Shiva worshipped Adi Shakti in this form. Through her blessings, he received the divine energy and tools needed to create, run and maintain the universe. She grants spiritual understanding, divine grace and the eight traditional siddhis (special spiritual powers and talents) to sincere devotees.

Navratri Colours with kids – Vaidik and His Nani’s Favourite Part

Each day of Navratri has a colour. I usually search on Google. Here is 2026 calendar along with other details. Save or pin this image with colours for this year. For 2026, the nine-day celebration runs from October 11 to October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.

After decoration, dressing up for puja has become a ritual at our home during festivals. Nani picks her outfit, Vaidik finds something traditional to match, and they both end up ridiculously pleased with their coordinated clothes and accessories. Yes, we have kanthmala (pearl/semi-precious stone necklaces), bracelets and rings for Vaidik too.

It’s a small thing, but it makes each day feel special. It gives children a simple way to participate, look forward to the festival and feel part of something bigger anchored in the chaos of Navratri festivities.

Remember that these are just ways I try to encourage Vaidik to learn about Indian festivals which I have grown up celebrating.

Navratri Activities that kids can actually do and will enjoy

This is the part I wish to try again every year and keep alive. Not the perfect puja setup. Not the Instagram-worthy thali. But the actual, real, mostly messy things that kids can do and feel proud this Navratri.

Ghatasthapana or Kalash Making

Cut out a thick sheet of paper in different shapes – a pot or kalash, nariyal and a few leaves. Let kids colour them and decorate these individual pieces with colours, stickers, crystals, pom-poms, straws, wool, glitter etc. Whatever they have at their disposal that they can use to decorate: foam stickers, buttons. Once the decoration is done, help them assemble it and make a unique kalash. As you can see, It is easy and simple for kids aged 4-10 to complete within one or two sittings of about an hour or so. For older kids we can introduce gardening in the Navratri with some jau in the flower pot. All they have to do is water it and show some love.

Navratri Aarti Thali

This is one of the best activities which can be done every day while it takes less than 15 minutes. Mostly it is messy but so much fun. First, Get a steel plate and grease it with ghee. Then, put roli or haldi on the plate and dust it over the plate. After this is done, wipe off the corners and dust off the excess roli or haldi that is there. Now the base is ready. All you have to do is give an earbud to your kid and let them show their creativity on the thali.

Make Your Navratri Dandiya

When we were kids we used to visit clubs and dandiya grounds with our families and not come back till late. We would dance our hearts out eat all possible snacks with friends and enjoy it. So i want our kids to know this vibe and energy, hence making a pair of dandiya is just step one. Plain sticks or cardboard rolls from foil or wrapping sheet, wrapped in ribbon, stuck with sparkles, gota, glitter and little bells. They will use these approximately 4,000 times during the 9 days, and you will hear them from three rooms away. Make sure there are no sharp edges on the sticks. Good for kids 7 and above. Please watch them so they don’t hit themselves or others during dandiya practice.

Make Your Durga Crown

Triangle chart paper or thick paper, some gold paint, some faux pearls, jewels and stickers, and an elastic band. You can even use an eye mask to stick the crown cut-out on. Takes 20 minutes. Worn for 9 days straight.

Navratri Greeting Cards

Let the kids draw and express themselves. They can do a lotus card, Maa Durga card, dandiya night card or a simple kalash card. Give them hints and let them do it. For younger ones, the best would be to print and give them for colouring, with sticker and glitter decorations. Inspiration and easy printables to come in a few days – we will share as we make them at home. Assist them when needed.

Navratri Rangoli

You will need Plastic stencils or paper cut-outs, coloured rice, coloured sand, flower petals, and a lot of glue. Even a 3-year-old can do this and feel deeply accomplished. This is such a neat trick, which starts with a mess. Cut out the rangoli on paper and cover it with glue. Then let the kids put on sand, flower petals or colour. Expert tip – Only do one colour of flower or sand at a time. Let it dry, then remove any excess. When everything is dry, then just assemble them. Nothing can go wrong here.

( If your child gets into the drawing, you might also want to try mandala – it is meditative, festive, and surprisingly therapeutic. Start here. More activities coming up for older kids in the next few days – Maa mandala art, Durga portrait, etc. Come back and read in a few days)

Navratri with kids: Free printables – Download here

Navratri Food – Food We Love and Make Together

Fasting rules during Navratri vary by family and region. In our home, we often avoid onion, garlic and regular grains during the days we observe a fast or vrat.

Some of our family favourites include sabudana khichdi, makhana kheer and, the biggest favourite of all time, the Kanya Pujan prasad – sooji halwa, puri and kala chana.

Homemade aloo chips used to be my favourite. I used to take them from my mom’s plate and stuff myself as a kid. But it is no longer easy to continue making the aloo chips at home, so we get some from nearby shops and then fry them at home.

Kheer is another favourite at home; we make variations on fasting and non-fasting days – makhana kheer, sabudana kheer, rice kheer, semiya kheer, lauki kheer, corn kheer, carrot kheer, suji kheer.

Get your child into the kitchen. Let them carry things, wash fruits, mix ingredients, arrange the prasad, or help plate the food under supervision. They often take much more pride in eating something they’ve helped prepare.

Vaidik started helping by just bringing water in a glass, taking out dishes and handling boxes from the store to the kitchen.

Navratri Kanya Pujan – Let the Children Enjoy Receiving and Giving

Kanya Pujan is usually observed on Ashtami or Navami. Some families invite young girls, and some also include a boy as Languriya or Bhairav. Practices differ across regions and households.

Vaidik loves helping, so we include him in the preparations. You can involve your child in various activities: preparing the prasad plates, arranging the seating, welcoming the little girls, serving food or just preparing the gifts.

When Vaidik was young, I had to explain why the little girls were being treated so specially and encouraged him to be respectful and caring towards them.

The most meaningful part for me is helping children understand that devotion is not only about rituals. It is also about gratitude, generosity and how we treat others.

Vaidik has always been the most gracious and caring host at his age. He has always been kind, and this simple act of being involved and present teaches him something no classroom can.

Navratri shlokas and mantras for children

Short. Simple. Powerful. Learn one this Navratri with your kids.

• ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
• सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके । शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
• या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
• या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
• ॐ जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी। दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Read more about shlokas in this article.

Navratri at Home with kids – How We Celebrate (The Honest Version)

Some days we do all of it. The decor, the story, the puja, the garba, the craft. Some days we light one diya, say one mantra and call it done.

Both count.

Follow your family’s tradition, and make sure your child is comfortable with the activities involved.

The point isn’t the perfect celebration. The point is that your child grows up knowing these nine nights belong to something powerful and beautiful that they are now part of.

That’s enough for today.

Wishing you a joyful, colourful, chaotic and blessed Navratri. 🙏

Love n hugs,
Urvashi

And if Navratri also brings up some of those deeper questions your child asks that stop you mid-sentence – you’re not alone. I wrote about exactly that here.