Celebrating Diwali With Little Ones
There’s something so special about celebrating holidays once you become a parent. Traditions you’ve grown up with your entire life suddenly take on a whole new meaning. The decorations, the food, the music, the family gatherings—things that once felt so familiar become exciting all over again because you’re experiencing them through your child’s eyes.
Growing up, Diwali was always a time for family, celebration, and togetherness. Now, as a mom, one of the things I look forward to most is sharing those same traditions with my son.
Of course, celebrating with little ones looks a little different. They might not understand the significance behind every tradition just yet. They may be more interested in playing with the decorations than helping you put them up. And sometimes, your perfectly planned activity lasts all of three minutes. But that's okay!
As someone who spent years working in early childhood education, I've always believed that young children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and simply being included in everyday life. And celebrating Diwali is no different.
You don't need elaborate crafts or expensive activities to make the holiday meaningful for your little one. Sometimes, the simplest experiences are the ones that matter most.
Here are a few simple ways to celebrate Diwali with babies, toddlers, and young children, while creating memories and introducing them to the beautiful traditions behind the Festival of Lights.
Create a Felt Rangoli
Rangoli is one of my favorite Diwali traditions, and making a felt version is such a fun way to introduce it to little ones! Traditional rangoli often uses colored powders, rice, or flower petals, which aren't always suitable for babies and toddlers. A felt rangoli offers a reusable, mess-free alternative that little hands can explore.
What You'll Need
Colorful sheets of felt
Scissors
A base (cardboard, large felt, contact paper, etc.)
Optional: Velcro dots to help the pieces stay in place
How to Make It
Cut colorful felt into simple shapes like circles, petals, and leaves.
Lay your base on the floor or table
Invite your little one to arrange the shapes to create their own rangoli.
For older toddlers, introduce simple patterns or encourage them to match colors.
Take everything apart and start again!
2. Diwali Sensory Bottles/Bin
Sensory bottles are such a fun way to introduce babies and toddlers to new colors, movement, and visual experiences. For Diwali, you can create bottles inspired by the bright colors and lights associated with the holiday. Don't have a sensory bottle? That's okay! Add a few Diwali-themed items in a bin and let your child explore.
What You'll Need:
A clear, shatter-resistant plastic bottle
Water
Colorful sequins or glitter
Food coloring (optional)
A permanently secured lid
How to Make It:
Fill the bottle about three-quarters full with water.
Add your colorful materials.
Add a drop of food coloring if you'd like.
Secure the lid permanently so it cannot be opened by your child.
Check for leaks before giving it to your little one.
Babies can watch the colors move as you gently turn the bottle, while older toddlers can roll or shake it.
Decorate Diyas Together
Diyas are such an important part of Diwali, symbolizing light overcoming darkness.
While traditional oil lamps aren't appropriate for little hands, decorating clay diyas can be a wonderful activity for older toddlers and preschoolers.
What You'll Need:
Plain clay diyas
Washable, child-safe paint
Paintbrushes or sponges
Battery-operated tea lights
Let your child choose their colors and decorate their diya however they'd like.
Create a Diwali Keepsake 🤎
If there's one thing motherhood has taught me, it's how quickly these little years pass.
One year, you're celebrating Diwali with a baby who can barely sit up. Before you know it, they're running around the house, helping decorate, and developing their own favorite traditions. Creating a simple keepsake each year is such a sweet way to document those changes.
A Few Ideas:
Make a handprint or footprint diya card.
Create a Diwali-themed painting.
Take a picture in the same spot every year.
Make a family Diwali scrapbook.
Write a short note about your child's favorite moments from the celebration.
You could even start a tradition of making one keepsake every Diwali and collecting them as your child grows.
Include Your Little One in the Kitchen
If you've been following The Little Veggie Table, you already know how much I love involving little ones in the kitchen. And Diwali is the perfect opportunity! Food is such a big part of our celebrations, and involving children in the preparation process helps them feel connected to the traditions happening around them. Of course, what this looks like will depend on your child's age.
For Babies:
Let them sit safely nearby while you prepare food. Talk about what you're making, name the ingredients, and let them observe the process from a safe distance.
For Toddlers:
Invite them to help with simple tasks like:
Pouring premeasured ingredients into a bowl
Mixing ingredients
Washing vegetables
Transferring ingredients between bowls
Sprinkling toppings onto prepared dishes
For Preschoolers:
Older children can begin helping with measuring, mixing, shaping dough, and assembling simple recipes
You don't need to give your child a complicated task. Sometimes, letting them stir a bowl for a few minutes is enough to make them feel included.
Diwali Books for Little Ones
Books are one of my favorite ways to introduce children to cultural traditions! Whether you're reading to a baby or exploring the meaning of Diwali with a toddler, here are a few wonderful books to add to your little one's bookshelf.
Little Hands Celebrate Hindu Holidays by ME! – As a mom and children's book author, sharing our culture through stories is something especially close to my heart. I wrote this book to help introduce little ones to the beautiful traditions and celebrations that are such an important part of our culture.
Binny's Diwali by Thrity Umrigar – A heartwarming story about a little girl sharing her family's Diwali traditions with her classmates.
Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar – A beautifully illustrated introduction to Diwali celebrations, from decorating homes to sharing sweets and lighting diyas.
Diwali in My New Home by Shachi Kaushik – A sweet story about celebrating Diwali, embracing traditions, and finding a sense of belonging in a new community.
Baby's First Diwali by DK – A colorful board book introducing babies and toddlers to the sights, colors, and traditions of Diwali.
The Best Diwali Ever by Sonali Shah – A festive story celebrating family, togetherness, and the excitement of Diwali.
A Little Reminder: You Don't Have to Do It All
Celebrating Diwali with little ones doesn't have to mean elaborate crafts, perfectly decorated homes, or a day full of activities. Sometimes it's as simple as reading a Diwali book together, letting your toddler help in the kitchen, or holding your baby close during family celebrations. One of my favorite parts of motherhood has been experiencing the traditions I grew up with through my son's eyes. He may not remember every celebration from these early years, but I hope he grows up remembering the warmth, love, and togetherness that came with them. Because at the end of the day, it's not about how much we do, but the memories and sense of belonging we create along the way.
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Diwali filled with love, light, and plenty of little moments worth remembering.
With love,
Sheena
There's Always a Seat at Our Table.
At The Little Veggie Table, we believe that some of the most meaningful childhood experiences happen in the everyday moments—cooking together, exploring something new, and gathering around the table. Join our community for vegetarian family recipes, toddler-friendly meal ideas, and a little inspiration for making everyday life with little ones special.
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