Why we celebrate: festivals for children

Sudama was a poor man and Krishna's best friend from school. One day he walked all the way to Krishna's palace with a small gift: a handful of flattened rice tied in a cloth. He felt shy, because it was so little. But Krishna hugged him, opened the cloth and ate the rice happily, as if it were the best food in the world. On Akshaya Tritiya families remember that the love in a gift matters more than its size.

Something to do together

Make a giving jar together: decorate a jar, and choose one thing to give today, such as a toy, a book or some food for a food bank. Set out a bowl of water for birds on a balcony or in the garden.

Stories for this festival

• Draupadi's Pot That Never Ran Out (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Akshaya Tritiya guide

Yamuna, the river, had a brother named Yama, who was always very busy. She kept inviting him to visit. One day he finally came! Yamuna was so happy that she put a tilak on his forehead, waved a lamp and cooked him a wonderful meal. Yama was so pleased that he wished happiness to every brother and sister who meet on this day. On Bhai Dooj sisters and brothers spend time together and show how much they care.

Something to do together

Make a card for a brother, sister or cousin, with a drawing of something you love doing together. Give it with a sweet, or send a photo of it if they live far away.

For grown-ups: the Bhai Dooj guide

A king who had lost his kingdom and a merchant who had lost his family met in a quiet forest. A wise sage told them stories of the Goddess, the great mother who helps the gods whenever they call her. The two friends went to a riverbank, shaped a small figure of the Goddess from clay, and prayed with flowers and water. Spring is a time of new beginnings, and Chaitra Navratri starts the new year with nine nights of prayer.

Something to do together

Sow a few barley or wheat seeds in a small pot on the first day and keep a picture diary: draw the shoots each day until Ram Navami.

Stories for this festival

• The King, the Merchant and the Sage (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Chaitra Navratri guide

The Sun gives us light, warmth and food all year. On Chhath, families say thank you to the Sun twice: once in the evening as he sets, and once in the morning as he rises. They stand by the water with baskets full of fruit and sweets, sing songs together and wait for the sky to turn orange. It is a festival of saying thank you, and of the whole family helping each other.

Something to do together

Check the sunset and sunrise times in Pujadeep's panchang for your city, and watch both with a grown-up. Draw the sky at sunset and at sunrise, and help arrange the fruit in the offering basket.

For grown-ups: the Chhath Puja guide

Families say that Lord Vishnu takes a long rest during the four rainy months, lying on a giant coiled snake in the ocean. When the rains end and the sky is clear, it is time for him to wake up. So on this day families sing happy songs and ring bells to say, "Good morning, Lord! Please wake up!" Many families also hold a little wedding for the tulsi plant, with sweets for everyone.

Something to do together

Decorate a small tulsi or other potted plant with a ribbon and a paper flower garland, and help ring the bell when the family sings to wake the Lord.

For grown-ups: the Dev Uthani Ekadashi guide

Long ago, when the gods and their rivals, the asuras, stirred the great ocean of milk, many wonderful things came up from it. One of them was Dhanvantari, the doctor of the gods, dressed in white and carrying a pot of nectar. On Dhanteras families thank him and pray that everyone stays healthy, because being well is a treasure. Then they light the first lamps of Diwali.

Something to do together

Help decorate the doorway: draw a small rangoli or a row of tiny footprints with rice flour, and, with a grown-up, light the first lamp of Diwali.

For grown-ups: the Dhanteras guide

Long ago, Prince Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana lived in the forest for fourteen years. When at last they came home to Ayodhya, the people were so happy that they lit lamps in every window and doorway to welcome them. On Diwali, families light lamps too: to say welcome, to say thank you, and to show that a small light can push back the dark. Many families also welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, into a clean and bright home.

Something to do together

Make a rangoli together at the door with rice flour, coloured powder or flower petals, and paint a plain clay diya. Light it together with a grown-up beside you, and each say one thing you are thankful for.

Stories for this festival

• Rama Comes Home (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Diwali guide

Every autumn, the Goddess Durga comes to visit her parents' home, bringing her four children: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartik. Everyone gets ready to welcome her with music, flowers, new clothes and lots of good food. For five days there is joy everywhere. On the last day she goes back to her home in the mountains, and everyone says, "Come again next year!"

Something to do together

Draw the Goddess's family: Durga in the middle with her lion, and Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartik around her, each with their animal: an owl, a swan, a mouse and a peacock.

For grown-ups: the Durga Puja guide

Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, took Princess Sita away. Prince Rama, his brother Lakshmana, brave Hanuman and an army of vanaras, the monkey people of the forest, built a bridge of stones across the sea. After a long struggle Rama won, and Sita was free. On Dussehra families remember that courage and doing what is right can win, even against a very big problem.

Something to do together

Draw a big paper Ravana with ten heads. On each head, write one habit you would like to leave behind, such as "shouting" or "not sharing". Then fold the paper away together and choose one good habit to start today.

Stories for this festival

• Rama and Ravana (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Dussehra guide

Once Shiva and Parvati said to their two sons: "Whoever goes around the whole world first will get this sweet fruit." Kartikeya jumped on his peacock and flew off at once. Ganesha thought for a moment. Then he walked slowly around his mother and father and said, "You are my whole world." His parents smiled and gave him the fruit. Families tell this story to remember that wisdom and love can win the race.

Something to do together

Shape a small Ganesha together from clay or dough: a round body, a round head, big ears and a curling trunk. Give him a tiny modak to hold, and keep him on your puja shelf for the festival.

Stories for this festival

• Ganesha Writes the Mahabharata (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Ganesh Chaturthi guide

Before a great battle, the brave archer Arjuna looked across the field and saw his own teachers and cousins on the other side. He felt sad and confused, and put down his bow. His friend Krishna, who was driving his chariot, talked with him and helped him understand what was right to do. Their talk became a book of seven hundred verses called the Bhagavad Gita, the Song of God. On Gita Jayanti families read it together.

Something to do together

Choose one short verse of the Gita with a grown-up, learn it a line at a time, and say it to the family at the evening prayer. Draw Krishna and Arjuna on their chariot.

Stories for this festival

• Arjuna Sees the Universal Form (ages 11-14)
• Arjuna's Question (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Gita Jayanti guide

One day a huge storm came to the village where little Krishna lived. Rain poured and poured. So Krishna lifted a whole hill, called Govardhan, with one hand, and held it up like an umbrella. All the people and all the cows came under it and stayed dry for seven days, until the storm was over. On Govardhan Puja families make a small hill of food and thank Krishna for looking after everyone.

Something to do together

Make a small hill from play dough or clay, add little paper trees and cows, and put a toy umbrella or a paper Krishna on top. Help arrange the food for the Annakut.

Stories for this festival

• Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Govardhan Puja guide

On the first morning of the new year, families in Maharashtra put up a bright flag called a gudi, with a shiny pot on top, flowers, leaves and a necklace of sugar sweets. It stands tall to say welcome: welcome to the new year, and welcome to everything good it brings. In the evening the family takes it down and shares the sugar sweets.

Something to do together

Make a small gudi together from a wooden spoon or a straw, a scrap of bright cloth, a paper cup for the pot and a few leaves, and stand it on a windowsill for the day.

For grown-ups: the Gudi Padwa guide

Long ago a boy named Aruni lived with his teacher, Dhaumya. One day the teacher asked him to stop water running out of a gap in a field's little canal. Aruni tried mud and stones, but the water kept escaping. So he lay down in the gap himself and kept the water in. Later, his teacher came looking for him, called his name, and was so moved that he blessed him. Aruni became a great scholar. On Guru Purnima families thank their teachers, and teachers bless their students.

Something to do together

Make a thank-you card for a teacher: a school teacher, a music teacher, a grandparent or a parent. Draw something they taught you and give it to them, or send a photo of it.

Stories for this festival

• Ekalavya and His Teacher (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Guru Purnima guide

When Hanuman was a baby, he saw the bright orange sun rising and thought it was a ripe fruit. He jumped so high that he flew up into the sky to grab it. The gods had to stop him, and he fell and hurt his chin, which is why he is called Hanuman. Years later, when his friends had to cross the wide ocean, wise old Jambavan reminded him: "You are strong!" Hanuman remembered, took a giant leap and crossed the sea to find Sita.

Something to do together

Learn the first two lines of the Hanuman Chalisa together, a few words at a time. Then sit in a circle and take turns telling each person one strength you see in them, as Jambavan did for Hanuman.

Stories for this festival

• Hanuman Leaps for the Sun (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Hanuman Jayanti guide

Long ago, Princess Parvati, the daughter of the snowy mountains, wanted to marry Lord Shiva. But Shiva sat with his eyes closed, thinking deep thoughts, and did not notice her. So Parvati went to the forest and prayed, day after day, in sun, in rain and in snow. She never gave up. At last Shiva came to her and said, "Your heart is strong and true." The two were married, and the whole world was glad. On Teej, when the rain makes everything green, families remember Parvati's patience, sing songs and play on swings.

Something to do together

Make a paper swing: tie two strings to a small piece of card and hang it from a pencil. Draw green leaves and flowers on it, and sing a rain song while it swings.

For grown-ups: the Hariyali Teej guide

Parvati, the daughter of the mountains, wanted to marry Shiva, who was always deep in thought. She went to live in the forest and prayed to him every day, in sunshine, rain and cold. Her best friend helped her and stayed by her side. At last Shiva saw how patient and true she was, and they were married. On Teej, mothers and aunts remember Parvati's patience and her good friend, sing songs together and swing on swings.

Something to do together

Make a small card for your best friend, saying thank you for one way they help you. Help decorate the puja place with leaves and flowers.

Stories for this festival

• Parvati's Penance (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Hartalika Teej guide

Little Prahlada loved Vishnu and prayed to him every day. His father, the proud king, did not like it at all. The king's sister Holika sat in a fire with Prahlada, to harm him. But the fire did not touch Prahlada, and Holika's trick did not work. That is why families light a bonfire on the night before Holi, and the next morning they play with bright colours, just as Krishna played colours with his friends in Braj.

Something to do together

Make natural colours together with a grown-up: turmeric mixed with gram flour for yellow, beetroot juice for pink, and crushed spinach for green. Paint flowers or handprints on an old sheet of paper or cloth with them.

Stories for this festival

• Prahlad and the Fire of Holika (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Holi guide

Krishna was born in the middle of a stormy night. To keep him safe, his father Vasudeva put him in a basket and carried him across the wide river Yamuna. A great snake raised its hoods like an umbrella to keep the rain off the baby, and the river grew calm to let them pass. On the other side, in the village of Gokul, Yashoda and Nanda loved and raised him. Little Krishna grew up playing with the cowherd children and was famous for loving butter.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, mix a little rice flour with water and draw tiny footprints from the door to the puja place, as if baby Krishna had walked in. Then decorate his cradle with flowers or paper and share a spoon of makhan-mishri.

Stories for this festival

• The Night Krishna Was Born (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Janmashtami guide

Ma Kali is the strong Mother who keeps her children safe. Long ago, after she had won a hard fight against bad forces, she was so happy that she began to dance. She danced and danced, and the whole earth began to shake! Lord Shiva, her husband, lay down gently in her path so that she would stop. When her foot touched him, Kali looked down and saw who it was. "Oh!" she said, and out came her tongue in surprise. She stopped dancing, and the earth was calm again. That is why, in her pictures, Kali stands on Shiva with her tongue out.

Something to do together

With a grown-up beside you, help light the lamps at the door at dusk. Then draw a row of lamps on paper and colour the flames, one for each person in your family.

For grown-ups: the Kali Puja guide

Once, Brahma and Vishnu argued about who was the greatest. Suddenly a tall pillar of light appeared between them. It was so tall that no one could see the top or the bottom. Vishnu became a boar and dug down, down, down. Brahma became a swan and flew up, up, up. They searched for a very long time, but the light never ended. So they stopped arguing and bowed to the light together. The light was Shiva. On Karthigai Deepam, families light rows of little lamps to remember that light.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, count out lamps for every step and window, and help put them in a row on the kolam. Make pori urundai together: press warm puffed rice and jaggery into small balls (a grown-up handles the hot syrup).

For grown-ups: the Karthigai Deepam guide

Long ago, three magic cities moved around the sky and the earth, and the people inside them caused trouble everywhere. They could be stopped only if someone hit all three with one arrow when they came together. Shiva waited patiently, and when the three cities came together, he let fly a single arrow and the trouble was over. The gods were so happy that they lit lamps all along the river. On Kartik Purnima families light lamps too.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, float a small candle or a paper boat with a battery tea-light in a bowl or tub of water, and count how many lights your family can make together.

For grown-ups: the Kartik Purnima guide

On Karwa Chauth many mothers, and some fathers too, keep a fast all day and pray for their family. In the evening the whole family waits for the moon. When it comes up over the roofs, they say a prayer, offer the moon a little water and then share a happy meal. It is a day to say thank you for each other.

Something to do together

Find the moonrise time in Pujadeep's panchang for your city, then watch from a window together and call out when you see the moon. Draw what it looked like, and paint a small clay pot as a karwa for the puja plate.

For grown-ups: the Karwa Chauth guide

Once, Brahma and Vishnu argued about who was greater. Suddenly a huge pillar of light rose up between them. It was so tall and so deep that nobody could see where it began or where it ended. Brahma flew up as a swan, and Vishnu dug down as a boar, but neither found the end. Then Shiva stepped out of the light and smiled: there was no need to argue. On Shivaratri families stay up late, light a lamp and remember that light which has no end.

Something to do together

Roll a sheet of paper into a tall tube and put a small torch inside to make your own pillar of light. Stay up a little later than usual, sit beside it and listen to one of the night's stories.

Stories for this festival

• Shiva and Parvati's Wedding (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Maha Shivaratri guide

In winter the days are short and the nights are long. On Makar Sankranti families say thank you to the Sun, who is starting its journey north, so the days will slowly grow longer and warmer. They also thank the farmers and the animals for the new harvest. In Tamil Nadu a pot of milk and rice is boiled until it bubbles over, and everyone shouts "Pongalo Pongal!", because a pot that overflows means there is plenty to share.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, make small til laddoos from toasted sesame seeds and melted jaggery, and give them to neighbours or friends. Or make a paper kite together and fly it in an open park, far from wires.

Stories for this festival

• How Ganga Came Down to Earth (ages 3-6)
• Bhishma Waits for the Sun (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Makar Sankranti guide

A big serpent called Kaliya lived in a river and made its water poisonous. Little Krishna jumped in, and the serpent wrapped around him. But Krishna wriggled free, climbed up onto the serpent's heads and danced on them. Kaliya gave up, and Krishna let him go, telling him to find a new home in the sea. The river was clean again, and the serpent was safe too. On Nag Panchami families remember that even a serpent can be spared.

Something to do together

Draw a coiled snake with many colours, or make one from a paper chain or clay. Then learn one fact about snakes with a grown-up: what they eat, and why it is best to leave a snake alone and call an adult.

For grown-ups: the Nag Panchami guide

Long ago, a cruel king called Narakasura took away treasures that did not belong to him and locked many people in his palace. Krishna and his brave queen Satyabhama rode on the great eagle Garuda, stopped him and set everyone free. The people were so happy that they lit lamps before sunrise. On this morning many families wake up early, have a special oil bath, wear new clothes and light lamps, because light has won over darkness.

Something to do together

Set an alarm with a grown-up to wake up before sunrise. Light one lamp together while it is still dark, and watch the sky slowly get bright.

Stories for this festival

• Krishna, Satyabhama and King Naraka (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Naraka Chaturdashi guide

Once a buffalo demon named Mahishasura chased the gods out of their home in the sky. The gods joined their light together, and from that light came one great Goddess, Durga. She rode a lion and carried a gift from each god. Families tell that for nine days and nights she stood firm against him, and on the last day she won, and the gods could go home. That is why families light a lamp for nine nights and thank the Goddess for her courage.

Something to do together

On the first day, sow a few barley or wheat seeds in a small pot of soil. Water them together every morning and measure the shoots each day. By the ninth day you will have a little green garden to offer.

Stories for this festival

• Durga and the Buffalo King (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Navratri guide

Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers, was very strong and always very hungry. His family fasted twice a month, but Bhima just could not. So he asked the wise sage Vyasa for help. Vyasa smiled and said, "Then keep just one day, but keep it with your whole heart." Bhima did. On this day families remember Bhima, and everyone, big and small, can do something kind, like giving cool water to someone on a hot day.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, fill a bowl with fresh water and put it outside for birds, or make a jug of cool lemonade to share with the family or a neighbour.

For grown-ups: the Nirjala Ekadashi guide

Long ago, Kerala had a kind king called Mahabali. In his time everyone was happy and everyone shared. One day a small boy named Vamana asked him for just three steps of land. The king said yes, and the boy grew bigger and bigger, until his steps covered the whole world. The king bowed and kept his promise, and he was given a beautiful kingdom of his own. Once a year he comes back to visit his people, and on Onam everyone makes flower carpets and a big feast to welcome him.

Something to do together

Make a small pookalam together on a tray or a sheet of paper: a circle of petals, leaves or paper shapes. Add one new ring every day until Thiruvonam.

Stories for this festival

• Vamana and King Mahabali (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Onam guide

In the Tamil month of Thai, families say thank you to the Sun for the new harvest, and to the cows and bulls that help the farmers. On Pongal day a pot of milk and new rice is boiled until it bubbles over, and everyone shouts "Pongalo Pongal!", because a pot that overflows means there is plenty to share. The next day, the cows and bulls are washed and decorated.

Something to do together

With a grown-up, draw a pattern like a kolam, on paper or with chalk by your door. Then help stir a small pot of sweet pongal, and share it.

For grown-ups: the Pongal guide

Long ago, when the goddess Lakshmi missed her husband Vishnu, she went to visit good King Bali, whose home Vishnu was guarding. She tied a thread on his wrist and became his sister. Bali was so happy that he wanted to give her any gift she asked for, and she asked for Vishnu to come home. Bali kindly said yes. On Raksha Bandhan, sisters and brothers tie a thread too, to say: "I care about you, and I am here for you."

Something to do together

Make a rakhi together from coloured thread, beads and a paper flower. Tie it on a brother, a sister, a cousin or a friend, or post it to someone far away with a drawing.

For grown-ups: the Raksha Bandhan guide

Long ago in the city of Ayodhya, King Dasharatha and his three queens wished for children. One spring day, at noon, a baby boy was born to Queen Kausalya. His name was Rama. Soon he had three brothers, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, and the four grew up together, always kind to each other. On Ram Navami, families celebrate Rama's birthday at noon, just as the people of Ayodhya did.

Something to do together

Make a little cradle from a small box, line it with cloth and decorate it with flowers or paper leaves. At midday, rock it gently together and sing a simple song, then share a sweet drink such as panakam.

Stories for this festival

• The Day Rama Was Born (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Ram Navami guide

Once a year, Lord Jagannath, with his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra, goes out of his temple for a holiday. Three giant, colourful chariots carry them through the streets, and thousands of people pull the long ropes together, singing. Everyone can help pull, big or small. After about a week at their aunt's temple, they ride home again.

Something to do together

Make a small chariot from a shoebox or a toy cart, decorate it with coloured paper and a flag, tie a string to it, and pull it around the house together while singing.

Stories for this festival

• Jagannath and the Closed Door (ages 3-6)

For grown-ups: the Rath Yatra guide

On the brightest full moon of autumn, Krishna played his flute in the moonlight, and his friends came to dance with him by the river. Some families also say that on this night Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, walks from house to house asking softly, "Who is awake?" So families stay up a little late, light lamps, sing and share sweet kheer under the moon.

Something to do together

Look at the full moon with a grown-up, find the darker patches on it, and draw what you see. Help set out the bowl of kheer in the moonlight.

Stories for this festival

• The Dance under the Autumn Moon (ages 11-14)

For grown-ups: the Sharad Purnima guide

Long ago, a proud king called Surapadman would not let the gods live in peace. So Shiva sent out six bright sparks. They fell into a lotus lake and became six baby boys, and six star sisters took care of them. When their mother Parvati hugged them, the six became one boy with six faces: Murugan. Parvati gave him a shining spear, the vel. Murugan was brave and kind. When he won, he did not throw Surapadman away. He turned him into a peacock to ride and a rooster to sit on his flag, so that even his old enemy could stay close to him.

Something to do together

Draw Murugan's peacock with all its tail feathers, and count six stars above it for the six Krittika sisters. Each evening of the six days, add one more colour to the feathers.

For grown-ups: the Skanda Sashti guide

One day Shiva held up a special fruit. "Whoever goes round the world first can have it," he said. Murugan jumped on his peacock and flew off round the whole world. Ganesha thought, then walked slowly round his mother and father. "You are my whole world," he said, and he got the fruit. When Murugan came back, he felt sad and went to sit on a hill. His father went to him and said, "You yourself are the fruit." That hill is Palani, and on Thaipusam families walk there with gifts of milk and flowers for Murugan.

Something to do together

Make a small kavadi: bend a strip of card into an arch, tape it to a ruler or a stick, and decorate it with paper flowers and peacock feathers drawn in colour. Carry it round the house to your prayer place, and offer a cup of milk to Murugan.

For grown-ups: the Thaipusam guide

Long ago, Queen Satyabhama was very proud of her gold and jewels. One day she had to put gold on one side of a big scale, with Lord Krishna sitting on the other side. She piled on all her gold, bracelets and necklaces, but Krishna's side did not move at all! Then Queen Rukmini came. She had no pile of gold. She went to her tulsi plant, folded her hands and prayed. She took just one small tulsi leaf and placed it gently on the scale. Up went Krishna's side! One leaf, given with love, was worth more than all the gold. That is why families offer tulsi leaves to Krishna, and why they hold a happy wedding for the tulsi plant each year.

Something to do together

Help dress the tulsi pot as a bride with a ribbon, a paper garland and a little cloth. Then water the plant together, and each day for a week take turns to give it water.

For grown-ups: the Tulsi Vivah guide

On Ugadi morning, Grandmother gives everyone a spoonful of a strange little dish. It is sweet, then bitter, then sour, then salty, then sharp and puckery, then a tiny bit hot. "A year is like this," she says. "Some days are sweet and some are bitter, and we enjoy them all together." Then she hugs everyone and says: happy new year!

Something to do together

Help a grown-up make Ugadi pachadi. Taste each ingredient on its own first and name its taste, then taste them all together. Draw a string of mango leaves to hang over your door.

Stories for this festival

• Varaha Lifts the Earth (ages 7-10)

For grown-ups: the Ugadi guide

Vaikuntha is the home of Lord Vishnu, a place of light and peace. Once a year, on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Vishnu temples open a special gate on their north side, called the gate of Vaikuntha. Early in the morning, while it is still dark, families wait with lamps and flowers. When the gate opens, everyone walks through it, singing, to see the Lord. It feels like walking into Vishnu's own home.

Something to do together

Make a paper gate decorated with flowers and stand it facing north beside the home shrine. At dawn, walk through it together with a lamp, and sing one verse or say "Om Namo Narayanaya".

For grown-ups: the Vaikuntha Ekadashi guide

Long ago a kind woman named Charumati had a dream. In it, the goddess Lakshmi showed her how to decorate a pot as the goddess, with a coconut on top, flowers, a lamp and good food. Charumati did it all with care, and her home felt full of joy. When her friends asked her about it, she did not keep the secret. She taught them all, and they did the puja together. That is why, on this Friday, families invite friends and share sweets and small gifts.

Something to do together

Help decorate the pot: fold the mango leaves, put flowers around it, and draw a kolam at the door. Then help give each guest her small gift.

For grown-ups: the Varalakshmi Vratam guide

Saraswati is the goddess of learning, music and art. She sits on a white lotus, plays a stringed instrument called the vina and keeps a book in her hand, and a white swan stays beside her. On Vasant Panchami, children put their books, pencils and instruments near her picture and ask her to help them learn with a clear and happy mind. Outside, spring is starting, and everything turns yellow and green.

Something to do together

Wear something yellow and make a small garland of yellow paper flowers for Saraswati's picture. Then write or draw one thing you want to learn this year and keep it beside your books.

For grown-ups: the Vasant Panchami guide

Princess Savitri married Satyavan, a kind young man who lived in the forest. One day, Yama, the god who takes people's lives at the end, came for Satyavan. Savitri did not cry and run away. She walked after Yama and talked with him, kindly and wisely, the whole way. Yama liked her words so much that he gave her wishes, and at last he let her ask for anything she liked. She asked for Satyavan's life, and Yama gave it. On Vat Savitri families remember how Savitri used patience and good words.

Something to do together

Find a banyan tree with a grown-up and look at the roots hanging down from its branches. Count how many you can see, and talk about why a tree that grows new roots can live so long.

For grown-ups: the Vat Savitri guide

In Kerala, the new year begins with a surprise. The night before Vishu, grandmother fills a shiny bowl with rice, fruit, a golden cucumber, coins and bright yellow flowers, and puts it in front of a picture of baby Krishna with a lamp. Early in the morning she wakes everyone and covers their eyes. "Now open!" The very first thing they see in the new year is the glowing lamp, the flowers and Krishna smiling. Then grandparents give the children a few coins to keep.

Something to do together

Make a small Kani together on a plate: a little rice, one yellow fruit, a coin, a flower and a small mirror. Put it near your prayer place before bed, and in the morning take turns leading each other to it with eyes closed.

For grown-ups: the Vishu guide

Every family has people who lived before us: grandparents, great-grandparents and many more, going back and back. They cooked, worked, sang, and passed on our family's stories and recipes. In Pitru Paksha families stop for a few days to remember them and to say thank you. They light a lamp, cook a favourite dish, share food with someone hungry, and tell their stories.

Something to do together

Draw a family tree together, with photographs or drawings of grandparents and great-grandparents. Ask an elder to tell one story about someone on the tree, and write it beside their name.

For grown-ups: the Pitru Paksha guide

On the night of the new moon the sky is dark, because the moon is close to the sun and its bright side is turned away from us. Soon it will start to grow again. On this day many families think of their grandparents and great-grandparents, the people who came before them. They light a lamp, give food to birds and to people who need it, and say the names of the elders with love.

Something to do together

Ask a grandparent or parent to tell you the names of your great-grandparents. Draw a small family tree together, and put out a bowl of grain or water for the birds.

For grown-ups: the Amavasya guide

Once Brahma and Vishnu argued about who was the greatest. Suddenly a tall pillar of light rose between them. Brahma flew up as a swan to find its top, and Vishnu dug down as a boar to find its bottom, but the light went on and on. Then Shiva appeared from the pillar, and both bowed to him. Once a month, on a dark night, families light a lamp for Shiva and remember the light that has no end.

Something to do together

On the night of Masik Shivaratri, turn off the lights for a minute, light one lamp together, and say "Om Namah Shivaya" three times in the quiet.

For grown-ups: the Masik Shivaratri guide

Long ago, when the gods and their rivals, the asuras, stirred the ocean, a dark and harmful poison came up first. Everyone was frightened, so Shiva drank it all to keep the world safe, and his throat turned blue. The gods were so thankful that they sang to him in the evening light, and Shiva danced with joy. Twice a month, at sunset, families light a lamp and thank Shiva for his kindness.

Something to do together

Find today's sunset time in Pujadeep's panchang for your city, and at that time sit together, light a lamp and say "Om Namah Shivaya" slowly, three times.

For grown-ups: the Pradosh Vrat guide

A poor man in the old city of Kashi had almost nothing to eat. One day a kind old man stopped and told him about a simple evening prayer: invite your friends, make a sweet dish, tell a story about God, and share. The poor man did it, and his life grew happier, so he did it every month. A woodcutter saw the prayer, joined in, and began to do it too. That is why, on many full-moon evenings, families sit together, tell the Satyanarayan story and share a sweet.

Something to do together

Find tonight's moonrise time in Pujadeep's panchang for your city. At that time go outside together, look for the full moon, and each say one thing you want to share with someone this month.

For grown-ups: the Purnima guide

Once, after a big feast, Ganesha was walking home with a very full tummy, and he slipped. The Moon saw it and laughed. Ganesha was upset, and the Moon felt sorry. Ganesha forgave him, and they became friends. Now, every month, families who pray to Ganesha wait for the Moon to rise before they eat dinner, and say hello to him with a little water.

Something to do together

Keep a moon diary for a month: draw the moon's shape every evening you can see it, and mark the night of Sankashti, when it rises late and is no longer full.

For grown-ups: the Sankashti Chaturthi guide