Rainbow Preschools, Thane  ·  Early Learning · Ages 1.5–5.5
Rainbow Preschools, Thane

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 for Kids: Stories, Activities, Speeches & Fun for Little Ones

A warm, playful companion for parents of little ones aged 1.5–5.5 years — stories, simple speeches, craft ideas, rhymes and a joyful journey with Bappa, in English, Hindi and Marathi.

Baby Ganpati Bappa with folded hands, accompanied by Mushak and a glowing diya
September 2026 10 min read Ages 1.5–5.5
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✨ Let's Make It Magical

What Is Ganesh Chaturthi? (In Words a Little One Can Understand)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a happy festival when families welcome a clay friend named Ganpati Bappa into their homes. Bappa has a cute elephant face, big round ears, and a soft round tummy — and everyone sings, dances, and eats sweet modaks to celebrate him.

🌼

Day 1 — Bappa Arrives

On Monday, 14th September 2026, families welcome Bappa home with flowers, songs, and his very first modak.

🪔

Days 2–9 — Together

Every evening from 15–24 September, families sing the aarti together, light a lamp, and share sweets.

🙏

Day 10 — A Loving Goodbye

On Anant Chaturdashi, 25th September, we say goodbye with hugs, songs, and a promise: "come back again next year!"

🌱 Growing With Bappa

A Little Guide by Age

Every age group enjoys the festival a little differently — here's a gentle guide for parents.

1.5–2.5 yrs · Playgroup

Sensory Joys

Touching soft flowers, listening to gentle aarti music, watching twinkling lights, and tasting a tiny nibble of modak.

2.5–3.5 yrs · Nursery

Little Stories

Short stories, clapping to rhymes, pointing out Bappa's big ears, and pretend play with a soft toy elephant.

3.5–4.5 yrs · Junior KG

First Crafts

Enjoying the full birth story, trying simple crafts, learning "Ganpati Bappa Morya" by heart, decorating the thali.

4.5–5.5 yrs · Senior KG

Proud Speakers

Reciting a short speech, attempting simple essays, understanding an eco-friendly Bappa, enjoying the quiz.

🥁 A City Turns Festive

Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra & Thane

Bappa is home for
10
Days of Songs, Sweets & Celebration

Here in Thane, Ganesh Chaturthi fills the whole city with joy! Streets are decorated with twinkling lights and flowers, drummers called dhol-tasha players fill the air with big, happy beats, and families walk together to see beautifully decorated Bappas set up by neighbourhood "mandals."

🥁 Dhol-TashaJoyful festival drumming
🌸 Marigold & LightsStreets decorated everywhere
🏠 MandalsCommunity-decorated Bappas
🐭 Our Story

Bappa's Trail

Follow baby Ganesha and his best friend Mushak on their ten-day journey home. Scroll to walk with them, step by step.

01 / 05
Baby Ganesha and Mushak the mouse arriving with a wave and marigold petals Baby Ganesha sitting with a diya and marigold garland, welcomed with a namaste Baby Ganesha happily holding a modak sweet with Mushak beside him Baby Ganesha dancing joyfully with Mushak amid festive confetti Baby Ganesha gently waving goodbye beside softly rippling water
Baby Ganesha and Mushak arriving with marigold petals 1 Bappa Arrives

"Hello, little friend!"

Bappa waves hello as he arrives home for the very first time, with Mushak trotting proudly beside him and marigold petals drifting through the air.

Baby Ganesha welcomed home with a diya and marigold garland 2 We Welcome Him Home

A garland, a lamp, a namaste

We light a small diya, place a marigold garland around Bappa, and press our palms together in a gentle namaste to welcome him with love.

Baby Ganesha and Mushak sharing a modak 3 We Share Modak Together

The sweetest treat of all

Bappa's favourite sweet, the modak, is shared with joy — and Mushak always gets a tiny one of his very own too!

Baby Ganesha and Mushak dancing during the aarti 4 We Dance at the Aarti

Dhol beats and happy feet

Every evening, we sing the aarti together and dance along to the happy dhol-tasha beats, arms up, hearts full.

Baby Ganesha waving goodbye beside softly rippling water 5 We Say Goodbye — For Now

"Pudhchya Varshi Lawkar Ya!"

On the tenth day, Bappa waves goodbye with a warm smile, promising to come back again next year — soon!

📖 Story Time

The Story of How Ganpati Bappa Was Born

Read this aloud together — perfect for bedtime or story circle time.

"Everyone loved him so much that all the gods came to bless him — and said that from that day on, he would always be remembered first, before starting anything new." — The story of Ganesha's birth
🌙 More Bedtime Stories

Little Tales for Little Ones

01Ganesha and His Tiny Best Friend, the Mouse

Ganpati Bappa may be big, but his very best friend is tiny — a little mouse named Mushak! One day, Mushak was scurrying about so fast that he bumped into things and made a big mess. Ganesha smiled and said, "Slow down, my friend. Even the smallest of us can do the biggest things — but only with a calm heart." From that day on, wherever Ganesha travels, gentle little Mushak carries him with pride.

02Why Ganesha Loves Modaks So Much

Once, Ganesha's mother Parvati made a plate of sweet modaks and told her sons, "Whoever is the most thoughtful may have the sweetest one." Kartikeya rushed off to do a brave task. Ganesha simply sat beside his mother, gave her a warm hug, and said, "Amma, you are the sweetest thing in my life." Parvati laughed with joy and gave him the sweetest modak of all — because kindness is always the tastiest thing.

03Ganesha and the Moon Who Learned to Say Sorry

One night, after enjoying a few too many modaks, Ganesha took a little tumble. Up in the sky, the Moon laughed and laughed. Ganesha, a little sad, gently said, "It's alright to laugh, but it's not alright to be unkind." The Moon felt sorry and asked for forgiveness, and Ganesha forgave him at once.

04The Story of the Race Around the World

Shiva and Parvati told their sons, "Whoever travels around the world three times first wins a special prize!" Kartikeya zoomed off on his peacock. Clever Ganesha simply walked around his mother and father three times and said, "For me, you two are my whole world." He was declared the winner — not for being fastest, but for being wisest and most loving.

05Ganesha and the Broken Tusk

A wise sage named Vyasa needed someone to write down a very long story as fast as he could tell it. Ganesha happily agreed — but his pen broke! Quick-thinking Ganesha snapped off a piece of his own tusk to keep writing, so the important story would never be interrupted.
🔍 Tap to Reveal

Fun Facts About Ganesha

Tap each card to discover something wonderful about our favourite friend!

Big Ears
Perfect for listening carefully to everyone he loves!
Mushak
His best friend is a tiny mouse he rides everywhere!
Modak
A soft, sweet dumpling — Bappa's favourite treat!
Always First
Ganesha is welcomed first before any happy occasion begins.
Family
Parvati & Shiva are his parents, Kartikeya his brother.
Morya!
"Ganpati Bappa Morya!" is how we say hello and celebrate.
Dhol-Tasha
In Thane, drummers play big happy beats to welcome Bappa.
Eco Bappa
Eco-friendly clay Bappas melt gently, keeping rivers clean.
Colours
Bappa loves being decorated in orange, yellow and red!
Goodbye
"Pudhchya Varshi Lawkar Ya" — come back soon next year!
✂️ Fun for Little Ones

Craft & Sensory Activities for Preschoolers

Simple, joyful activities — the fun is in the doing, not the perfection!

01
🍡

Clay Modak Making

You need: soft playdough, small bowl

Roll a small ball of dough and gently pinch one end into a peak — just like a modak!

15 minsSensory
02
🐘

Elephant Ear Headband

You need: paper strip, grey/orange paper, glue

Cut two big round "ears," decorate them, and glue onto a headband. Become Bappa for the day!

20 minsWearable
03
🌸

Flower Thali Decoration

You need: a plate, flower petals, colours

Arrange petals freely on a plate to make a pretty welcome thali for Bappa.

15 minsSensory
04
🦶

Footprint Elephant Art

You need: washable paint, paper

Paint your little one's foot and press onto paper — heel as head, toes as trunk!

15 minsKeepsake
05
🌿

Eco-Friendly Home Ganesha

You need: natural shadu clay

Shape a small, simple Bappa together — a hands-on way to care for our environment.

20 minsWith an Adult
06
🎨

Colour-the-Bappa Sheet

You need: printed Ganesha outline, crayons

Colour freely, however you like — there are no wrong colours for Bappa!

10 minsQuiet Time
👩‍🍳 Try at Home

A Simple, Safe Modak Recipe

⚠️ Always supervise young children around cooking, hot surfaces, and check for food allergies first.

You'll need: rice flour, water, grated coconut, jaggery, a pinch of cardamom powder.

  1. Gently cook grated coconut with jaggery and cardamom until soft and fragrant — this is your sweet filling.
  2. Knead rice flour with hot water (adult step only) into a soft dough.
  3. Let your little one help flatten small dough balls into little rounds with clean hands.
  4. An adult fills each round with the coconut-jaggery mixture and shapes it into a modak.
  5. Steam for about 10 minutes, cool completely, and enjoy together!
🎤 Speeches for Little Speakers

Perfect for Assembly, Family Gatherings, or Proud Recitation

Nursery / Junior KG

"Ganpati Bappa Morya! Bappa has big ears and a happy tummy. Bappa loves modaks. I love Bappa too! Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

Senior KG

"Good morning everyone! Today is Ganesh Chaturthi. We welcome Ganpati Bappa into our homes with flowers, songs, and sweet modaks. This year, my family is welcoming an eco-friendly Bappa, made of clay, so our rivers stay clean and happy too. Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

छोटे बच्चों के लिए

"गणपति बप्पा मोरया! बप्पा के बड़े-बड़े कान हैं। बप्पा को मोदक बहुत पसंद है। मुझे भी बप्पा बहुत पसंद हैं। गणपति बप्पा मोरया!"

लहान मुलांसाठी

"गणपती बाप्पा मोरया! बाप्पाचे मोठे मोठे कान आहेत. बाप्पाला मोदक खूप आवडतात. मलाही बाप्पा खूप आवडतात. गणपती बाप्पा मोरया!"

✍️ Show & Tell

Simple Essays & Show-and-Tell Lines

5 Lines

  1. Ganesh Chaturthi is a happy festival.
  2. We welcome Ganpati Bappa to our home.
  3. Bappa has a cute elephant face and big ears.
  4. We sing songs and eat sweet modaks.
  5. After some days, we say bye-bye to Bappa with love.

10 Lines

  1. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ten days.
  2. It celebrates the arrival of Ganpati Bappa.
  3. Bappa is the son of Shiva and Parvati.
  4. Bappa has big ears and a round tummy.
  5. His best friend is a little mouse called Mushak.
  6. We decorate our home with flowers and lights.
  7. Every evening, we sing a special aarti together.
  8. Bappa's favourite sweet is the modak.
  9. In Thane, we hear happy dhol beats everywhere.
  10. On the last day, we sing "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

५ पंक्तियाँ

  1. गणेश चतुर्थी एक खुशियों भरा त्योहार है।
  2. हम बप्पा को अपने घर में लाते हैं।
  3. बप्पा के बड़े-बड़े कान हैं।
  4. हम गाना गाते हैं और मोदक खाते हैं।
  5. कुछ दिनों बाद हम प्यार से बप्पा को विदा करते हैं।

१० पंक्तियाँ

  1. गणेश चतुर्थी दस दिनों तक मनाई जाती है।
  2. यह त्योहार गणपति बप्पा के आगमन का जश्न है।
  3. बप्पा भगवान शिव और माता पार्वती के पुत्र हैं।
  4. बप्पा के बड़े कान और गोल पेट है।
  5. उनका प्यारा दोस्त एक छोटा चूहा है, जिसका नाम मूषक है।
  6. हम अपने घर को फूलों और रोशनी से सजाते हैं।
  7. हर शाम हम मिलकर आरती गाते हैं।
  8. बप्पा को मोदक बहुत पसंद है।
  9. ठाणे में हमें ढोल की खुशी भरी थाप सुनाई देती है।
  10. आखिरी दिन हम "गणपति बप्पा मोरया" कहकर विदा करते हैं।

५ ओळी

  1. गणेश चतुर्थी हा आनंदाचा सण आहे.
  2. आपण बाप्पाला घरी घेऊन येतो.
  3. बाप्पाचे मोठे मोठे कान असतात.
  4. आपण गाणी म्हणतो आणि मोदक खातो.
  5. काही दिवसांनी आपण प्रेमाने बाप्पाला निरोप देतो.

१० ओळी

  1. गणेश चतुर्थी दहा दिवस साजरी केली जाते.
  2. हा सण गणपती बाप्पाच्या आगमनाचा आनंदसोहळा आहे.
  3. बाप्पा भगवान शंकर आणि पार्वती मातेचे पुत्र आहेत.
  4. बाप्पाचे मोठे कान आणि गोल पोट असते.
  5. त्यांचा लाडका मित्र एक छोटा उंदीर आहे, ज्याचे नाव मूषक आहे.
  6. आपण घर फुलांनी आणि दिव्यांनी सजवतो.
  7. दररोज संध्याकाळी आपण एकत्र आरती म्हणतो.
  8. बाप्पाला मोदक खूप आवडतात.
  9. ठाण्यात आपल्याला ढोल-ताशांचा आनंदी आवाज ऐकू येतो.
  10. शेवटच्या दिवशी आपण "गणपती बाप्पा मोरया" म्हणत निरोप देतो.
🎵 Sing Along

Rhymes, Aarti & Slogans

Original English Rhyme

Ganpati Bappa, round and sweet,
Big round ears, and tiny feet,
Riding on a mouse so small,
Bappa loves us, one and all!
Modak in his hand so bright,
Bappa fills our home with light,
Ganpati Bappa, Morya, Morya!
Come again soon, we'll wait for ya!

Traditional Aarti (Marathi)

सुखकर्ता दुःखहर्ता — "the one who brings happiness and takes away sorrow." The opening line of the traditional Ganesh aarti — even a toddler can happily clap along to its rhythm.

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lawkar Ya!

English

Ganpati Bappa Morya! · Big ears, big heart, big love! · Bappa's home, hooray!

हिंदी

गणपति बप्पा मोरया! · मोदक लाओ, खुशियाँ मनाओ!

मराठी

गणपती बाप्पा मोरया! · मोदक आणा, आनंद साजरा करा!

🔎 Know Your Festival

Ganesha's Special Symbols

🐭

The Mouse (Mushak)

Bappa's tiny best friend and ride — even small friends can be the mightiest helpers.

🍬

The Modak

Bappa's favourite sweet treat, shaped like a little dumpling.

👂

Big Ears

So Bappa can listen carefully to everyone who needs him.

🌺

Durva Grass & Flowers

Soft green grass and pretty red flowers offered to Bappa with love.

🐘

The Elephant Face

What makes Bappa so easy to spot and so lovable to everyone!

🌿

Shadu Clay

Soft, natural clay used for eco-friendly idols that dissolve safely in water.

A Tiny Festival Glossary for Parents

SthapanaThe day Bappa's idol is welcomed and installed at home.
AartiThe joyful evening prayer song, sung with a lit lamp.
VisarjanThe gentle goodbye ceremony when Bappa is immersed in water.
MandalA community group that sets up a large public Ganesha.
Anant ChaturdashiThe tenth and final day, when the big farewell takes place.
ModakBappa's favourite sweet dumpling, filled with coconut and jaggery.
🏠 Home Celebrations

Parent's Guide: Celebrating at Home

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations don't have to be limited to school — here's how to make it meaningful and fun at home.

☀️

Fancy Dress & First Welcome

A simple orange or yellow kurta, a little crown, or DIY elephant ears make an adorable, comfortable "mini Bappa" costume — no need for anything elaborate.

🪔

Involve Little Hands in the Puja

Let your toddler help place flowers, ring a small bell, or clap along to the aarti — participation matters far more than perfection.

📖

Keep It Short & Joyful

Toddlers engage best in short bursts — a 5-minute aarti, a story, and a sweet treat is plenty for a memorable celebration.

🌙

Talk About Saying Goodbye Gently

Frame visarjan warmly: "Bappa is going home to rest, and he promises to come back and visit us again next year!"

A Simple 10-Day Activity Idea Calendar

Day 1Welcome Bappa with flowers & his first modak
Day 2Read the birth story at bedtime
Day 3Try footprint elephant art
Day 4Learn "Ganpati Bappa Morya" together
Day 5Make a flower thali
Day 6Try clay modak sensory play
Day 7Sing the "Ganpati Bappa" rhyme
Day 8Read "Ganesha and Mushak" again
Day 9Practise a tiny speech line
Day 10A warm goodbye at visarjan

Keeping Little Ones Safe & Happy

🎉

Crowds & Processions

Keep little ones close, choose less crowded viewing times, and step back if the noise feels overwhelming.

🥁

Loud Sounds

Dhol-tasha beats are joyful but loud — soft ear protection is a thoughtful precaution for sound-sensitive children.

🍬

Sweets & Allergies

Modaks contain coconut, jaggery, and sometimes nuts or ghee — always check ingredients first.

💧

Water Safety at Visarjan

Keep a firm hold of little hands near ponds, tanks, or the sea — excitement can make it easy for a child to wander.

🏆 Test Your Knowledge

Bappa Quiz — 10 Questions!

🏆 Ganesha Quiz 2026
Question 1 of 10
📱 Share the Joy

Caption Ideas for Parents' Social Media

"Our little Bappa is home! 🐘💛 #GaneshChaturthi2026 #RainbowPreschools"

"First modak, first festival memories! 🍬 #ToddlerFestivities #GanpatiBappaMorya"

"Small hands, big hearts — celebrating an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi this year. 🌱"

"Pudhchya Varshi Lawkar Ya! See you next year, Bappa. 🙏 #GaneshChaturthiThane"

💬 Parents Ask

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I explain Ganesh Chaturthi to a 2-year-old?+
Keep it simple and sensory: "We're welcoming a special clay friend named Bappa who loves modaks and big hugs, and after some fun days together, we'll say a loving goodbye." Focus on feelings and fun rather than mythology or history.
What can a toddler do during the puja?+
Toddlers can help place flowers, gently ring a small bell, clap during the aarti, or simply sit close and watch — participation, not perfection, is what matters at this age.
Is it safe to do idol immersion with young children present?+
Yes, especially with a small eco-friendly clay idol immersed gently at home in a bucket or tub — it's a calm, safe, and meaningful way for little ones to understand the festival's full cycle.
What are some easy fancy dress ideas?+
A soft orange or yellow kurta with a simple paper crown, or DIY elephant-ear headbands, make comfortable, adorable costumes without anything elaborate.
My child is scared of loud dhol-tasha sounds — what can I do?+
That's completely normal! Introduce the sound gradually through videos at home first, keep a comforting distance at community celebrations, and let your child cover their ears if they need to.
Why do we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for ten days?+
Tradition holds that Bappa stays with us for a set number of days — commonly one and a half, five, seven, or ten, depending on the family — before returning home.
What is an eco-friendly Ganesha, and why does it matter?+
It's an idol made from natural clay (instead of Plaster of Paris) that dissolves safely in water, so our rivers and seas stay clean — a lovely, simple sustainability lesson.
What sweets can I make with my toddler for the festival?+
Simple, safe options include shaping soft modak dough together (even if it's just for play!) or decorating store-bought modaks with your child under supervision.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi different from Diwali for a young child?+
Ganesh Chaturthi welcomes a beloved clay friend, Bappa, for ten days with songs and sweets, while Diwali celebrates lights and lamps — both wonderful, sensory-rich festivals.
Does the preschool celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with the children?+
For our specific festival-week activities and celebrations calendar, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher or check the school's latest parent communication.
My child is too young to sit through a full story — how short can I keep it?+
Very short is perfectly fine! Even a single line, like "Bappa has big ears and loves modaks, just like you love your favourite toy," is a complete introduction for a very young toddler.
Are there simple songs I can hum with my toddler at home?+
Yes — try the original "Ganpati Bappa" rhyme above, or hum the opening line of the traditional aarti, "Sukhkarta Dukhharta," which most children pick up quickly by ear.
What's a good age to start involving my child in festival preparations?+
Even from around 2 years old, children enjoy simple sensory participation like handing over flowers — full craft activities are usually most enjoyable from around 3 years onward.
🌈 Explore More at Rainbow Schools

Continue the Journey

Looking for deeper history, speeches, and essays for older children? Our sister blog on the Rainbow International School site has you covered.

🎈 Rainbow Preschool International

Ages 1.5–5.5 years · Thane · Give your little one the most joyful start to their learning journey.

Home About Us Programmes Playgroup Nursery Kindergarten Admissions Happy Times Gallery Contact RPS Blog

🎓 Rainbow International School

Nursery to Grade 12 · CBSE · Passion for Excellence in every classroom.

Home About RIS Pre-Primary Primary Section Admissions Photo Gallery Contact RIS Blogs 📖 Ganesh Chaturthi: History & Essays Guide

Let's Grow, Learn, and Celebrate Together

At Rainbow Preschools, Thane, every festival is a gentle doorway into wonder, warmth, and early learning. If you're looking for a nurturing first-school experience, we'd love to welcome you for a visit.

💛 Enquire Now 📍 Schedule a Campus Visit
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Wishing every little one in our Rainbow family a joyful, giggle-filled Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.