10 screen-free activities at home this Diwali

1. 1

   Make a rangoli

   Make a rangoli at the door with rice flour, rangoli colours or flower petals. Draw the design in chalk first, then fill in the colours.

   You need: Rangoli colours or flowers, chalkTime: 45 min

   Done
2. 2

   Paint your own diyas

   Decorate plain clay diyas with acrylic or poster colours. Once dry, light these same diyas on Diwali night.

   You need: Clay diyas, paints, brushesTime: 1 hour

   Done
3. 3

   Make a paper lantern (akash kandil)

   Make a lantern from coloured chart paper and hang it on the balcony. Use only an LED light inside, never a candle.

   You need: Chart paper, glue, scissors, LED lightTime: 1 hour

   Done
4. 4

   Greeting cards for grandparents

   A handmade Diwali card with a message written inside. Worth more to grandparents than any bought gift.

   You need: Card sheet, sketch pens, stickersTime: 30 min

   Done
5. 5

   Paper or fabric toran

   Cut coloured triangles, string them on thread and hang them over the door. Scraps of old cloth work well too.

   You need: Coloured paper or cloth, threadTime: 45 min

   Done
6. 6

   Make one sweet together

   An easy sweet like coconut ladoo: children mix and roll, and an adult handles the stove.

   You need: Ingredients, an adult helperTime: 45 min

   Done
7. 7

   A donation box

   During Diwali cleaning, set aside clothes and toys your child has outgrown and give them to someone in need.

   You need: A box, outgrown clothes and toysTime: 1 hour

   Done
8. 8

   The story of Ram's return

   Why do we celebrate Diwali? Read or tell this story from the Ramayana together, then ask your child to retell it.

   You need: Amar Chitra Katha or any storybookTime: 30 min

   Done
9. 9

   Plant something

   Plant a marigold or tulsi in a pot. Your child waters it daily and watches it grow.

   You need: Pot, soil, a plantTime: 30 min

   Done
10. 10

    Thank the people who help us

    A small thank-you card and sweets for the house help, watchman, driver or dhobi. Let your child hand them over.

    You need: Cards, a box of sweetsTime: 30 min

    Done

Clear checklist