Let’s Celebrate!
However your family chooses to celebrate this year, we hope these nine nights — and the joyful day that follows — bring your little one lots of colour, cuddles, and happy memories.
Key Dates to Remember
What is Navratri? What is Dussehra?
Navratri means “nine nights.” It is a happy festival where we celebrate a kind and powerful Goddess for nine days in a row. Each day, we remember a different, gentle form of her — sometimes brave, sometimes soft and loving, sometimes wise. Families dress up, light little lamps called diyas, dance, and spend time together.
After the nine days comes one big, joyful day called Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami). On this day, we remember a story about being brave and kind, and about good winning over bad. In the evening, many families go outside to watch a giant paper figure being burned in a bonfire, with lots of twinkling fireworks in the sky. Everyone claps, and children love watching the lights.
So in the simplest words: Navratri is nine days of happy Goddess celebrations, and Dussehra is the big, sparkly bonfire day right after — a joyful reminder that being good and brave always wins in the end.
A Little Guide by Age
For your littlest one, Navratri and Dussehra are simply about colours, twinkly lights, and happy music. They don’t need to understand the stories yet — just let them enjoy! Dress them in a bright colour, let them see the diyas glow (from a safe distance), clap along to some fun dandiya beats, and cuddle up close during family time. If they see you happy and excited, they will feel happy and excited too — that’s really all Navratri needs to mean for a toddler.
Preschoolers are just starting to enjoy a good story! Gently tell them that Navratri celebrates a kind, powerful Mother Goddess who takes care of everyone, and that each day has its own special colour to wear. They’ll enjoy picking their outfit for the “colour of the day” and might like a simple little dance. Keep it short: “a brave, loving Goddess protects everyone” is enough for now. Introduce Dussehra as “the big fireworks day” — simple crafts like colouring a diya or making a paper crown are perfect for this age.
Kindergarteners are ready for a little more of the “why.” They can understand nine special days, each honouring a different form of the Goddess, each with its own colour. Share a gentle version of the Durga story — how she used her light and courage to keep everyone safe. They’ll enjoy hearing about Ram, Sita and Hanuman, and why Dussehra is celebrated with a big bonfire called Ravana Dahan. Be ready for sweet “who” and “why” questions — simple, warm answers work best.
The Stories
Gentle retellings, just right for little ears — about a Goddess who protects with light, and a prince who never gave up.
The Story of Maa Durga
Long, long ago, there was a very powerful and loving Mother Goddess named Durga Maa. She was kind to everyone, and she loved to take care of the whole world, just like your mother takes care of you.
One day, there was a big, scary monster who was making everyone feel frightened and sad. The monster was so strong that nobody else could stop him. But Durga Maa was not afraid — she knew that kindness and courage together are more powerful than anything scary.
Durga Maa gathered all her light, her love, and her bravery. She rode on a big, gentle lion, and she carried many special gifts in her many hands — each one a symbol of a different kind of strength, like patience, hope, and courage. She was calm, strong, and full of light, like the brightest, warmest sunshine.
When the scary monster came close, Durga Maa used her light and her courage to stop him, gently but firmly, and to keep everyone safe. Once he was gone, the whole world could breathe easy again. Everyone came out of their homes, smiling and thankful, and celebrated with lamps, flowers, music, and dancing.
That is why, every year, for nine special nights, we remember Durga Maa. We light little diyas, wear bright colours, and dance because we are thankful she keeps everyone safe — a reminder that when we are brave, kind, and full of light inside, we help make the world feel safer for everyone around us.
The Story of Ram & Ravana
Once upon a time, there was a prince named Ram, known far and wide for being gentle, honest, and very brave. He had a loving wife named Sita, and a dear, loyal friend named Hanuman, who was strong, cheerful, and always ready to help.
One day, something sad happened — Sita was taken far away by a powerful king named Ravana, who was not kind. Ram loved Sita very much, so he set off on a big journey to bring her home safely, with Hanuman and many friends joining him along the way.
Ram and his friends travelled a long way, faced many challenges, and never once gave up. Ram always stayed calm, kind, and brave, even when things felt difficult. Finally, with his courage and the help of his friends, Ram was able to bring Sita safely back home. Ravana’s unkind ways could not stand in front of Ram’s goodness and bravery.
Everyone was overjoyed! To celebrate this happy ending, people built a big statue of Ravana out of paper and lit it up in a bonfire, with bright, sparkling fireworks lighting up the sky. This joyful celebration is called Dussehra, or Ravana Dahan.
Every year, we remember this story and celebrate this same happy evening. Children love watching the twinkling fireworks and the big, glowing bonfire from a safe distance with their families — a reminder that being kind and brave always finds its way to a happy ending.
Meet the Nine Goddesses
Swipe through all nine — a different gentle form of the Goddess for every night.
Shailputri
A strong, gentle goddess of the mountains, who teaches us to stand tall like a hill.
Brahmacharini
A peaceful goddess who loves learning and teaches us to be patient.
Chandraghanta
A graceful goddess with a little moon on her head, who chases away fear.
Kushmanda
A smiling goddess who fills the world with warm, golden light.
Skandamata
A loving mother goddess who holds her little one close, just like your mommy holds you.
Katyayani
A brave goddess who rides a lion and gives everyone courage.
Kalaratri
She looks a little fierce, but she is very kind, and keeps us safe at night.
Mahagauri
A bright, pure goddess who brings peace and calm, like fresh snow.
Siddhidatri
A giving goddess who sits on a lotus flower and shares blessings with everyone.
Dance, Colour & Dress-Up
The most twirly, colourful part of Navratri — and it’s just as fun for wobbly toddler dancers as it is for confident kindergarten performers.
Garba & Dandiya Fun
One of the happiest parts of Navratri is Garba and Dandiya — a fun, circular dance where everyone moves together, clapping or gently tapping small decorated sticks called dandiya in rhythm with cheerful music. You don’t need to be an expert dancer to join in! Even toddlers can happily sway, clap, and giggle in the middle of the circle, while preschoolers and kindergarteners love learning the simple twirl-and-clap steps.
Try a mini Garba session at home — some cheerful music, a couple of dandiya sticks (even wooden spoons work in a pinch!), and a few giggly spins is all it takes for a joyful evening together.
Did you know friends in other parts of India celebrate a little differently too? In Bengal, families visit beautifully decorated pandals for Durga Puja. In parts of South India, homes display little dolls stacked on steps, called Golu. And in North India, families enjoy watching Ramlila, a colourful play that tells the story of Ram. One big festival season, so many beautiful ways to celebrate it!
Grab Two Sticks
Dandiya sticks are perfect — or wooden spoons work in a pinch!
Play a Cheerful Beat
Any peppy Garba or Dandiya song sets the mood instantly.
Twirl & Tap Together
Clap, tap sticks gently, and spin in a happy little circle.
Navratri Colours — Tap a Day!
Fancy Dress & Costume Ideas
Little Durga Maa
A simple orange or red kurta or lehenga with a sparkly dupatta, a paper crown, and a toy diya prop.
Cheerful Garba Dancer
A colourful chaniya-choli or kurta with a mirror-work dupatta, plus a pair of small dandiya sticks.
Little Ram, Sita or Hanuman
A plain dhoti-kurta for Ram, a soft saree drape for Sita, monkey ears and a tail for a giggly Hanuman.
Colour-of-the-Day Star
No costume needed — just that day’s special colour. Comfortable, simple, still perfectly festive.
Peacock Feather Friend
For the last day’s Peacock Green — add peacock feathers or a feather hair clip to a green outfit.
Diya Delight
Warm yellow or orange, plus a glittery paper “flame” headband — easy to make and totally safe.
Celebrate at Home
You don’t need anything elaborate — just a few warm, simple moments each day. Tap a tip below as you go!
Parent’s Guide to Celebrating at Home
Each morning, let your little one pick that day’s special colour to wear — a small ritual they’ll look forward to daily.
In the evening, gather for a gentle diya-lighting moment together — even watching the flame flicker feels calm and special.
Try a mini Garba session — cheerful music, a spoon or small stick to tap along, and a few giggly twirls together.
On Dussehra evening, keep little ones at a safe, comfortable distance from fireworks, hold them close, and enjoy the lights together.
End the day with a short, gentle bedtime story — a simple version of Durga Maa’s or Ram’s story is a lovely way to close a festive day.
Kid-Friendly Stories
The Little Diya Who Was Afraid of the Dark
Once, in a small clay shop, there lived a tiny diya named Chintu. Chintu was scared of the dark. “What if my light is too small?” he worried.
On Navratri night, Amma placed Chintu on the windowsill and filled him with oil, then lit his little wick. Chintu was surprised — his flame was small, but it glowed so warm and bright! Outside, the whole street was dark, but one by one, other diyas lit up too, until the whole lane twinkled like stars had come down to visit.
Chintu smiled. “My little light matters,” he said happily. “Together, we made the dark go away!” From that day, Chintu was never afraid again.
Moral
Even a small light can help chase away the dark, especially with friends beside you.
Mia Helps Decorate for Garba
Mia loved swirly skirts and jingly bells. This Navratri, her building was decorating the courtyard for Garba night. “Can I help?” asked Mia. Aunty smiled and gave her a basket of marigold flowers to hang along the gate.
Her friend Zoya was tying colourful flags, and little Arjun was placing diyas in a neat circle. Everyone worked together, sharing ribbons and giggles. When evening came, the courtyard sparkled with flowers, flags, and twinkling lights, and children twirled in circles, clapping and laughing.
Mia looked around proudly. “We made it beautiful together,” she said. Mummy hugged her tight. “Sharing made it even more fun, didn’t it?”
Moral
When friends share and help each other, celebrations become extra joyful.
10 Fun Facts for Little Ones
Navratri means “nine nights,” celebrated for nine special days in a row.
Each of the nine nights honours a different form of Goddess Durga.
Many people wear a different colour every day — like a rainbow of nine colours!
Garba and Dandiya are fun dances where people twirl in circles with colourful sticks.
Dussehra comes right after Navratri and celebrates Lord Rama’s win over Ravana.
On Dussehra, a big Ravana figure bursts with crackling fireworks — called Ravana Dahan.
Little diyas (clay lamps) are lit to spread warm, twinkly light through the season.
Families often enjoy sweet treats and yummy snacks together during these festive days.
Some people decorate their homes with flowers, lights, and colourful rangoli patterns.
Dussehra is also called Vijayadashami — “the tenth day of victory.”
Little Voices
Crafts for busy little hands, and words for proud little speakers — speeches, rhymes and slogans in English, Hindi and Marathi.
Fun Craft & Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Diya
Cut a paper plate in half and stick torn yellow/orange/red paper to look like a glowing flame — a simple, mess-friendly way to talk about light and warmth.
Dandiya Stick Decorating
Wrap colourful ribbons around two sticks and add stickers, then tap them together gently to the beat of festive music.
Friendly Recycled Ravana
Turn a small cardboard box into a smiley, friendly Ravana face with paper and crayons — big eyes and a funny moustache, all giggles, no scares.
Colour-of-the-Day Dress Up
Pick a colour each morning and help your little one find something to wear in that shade — joyful, and no shopping needed.
Mini Garba Twirl Time
Play cheerful Garba music and hold hands in a circle, taking turns to twirl slowly and clap — a lovely way to move and giggle together.
Durga Crown Craft
Decorate a paper crown strip with sequins and colours, then wear it proudly as a little festive queen or king for the day.
Speeches for Little Speakers
Hello everyone! Navratri is here. It has nine happy nights. We dance and wear pretty clothes. I love the twinkly diyas. Happy Navratri to all!
नमस्ते सबको! नवरात्रि आ गई है। इसमें नौ खुशी वाली रातें होती हैं। हम नाचते हैं और सुंदर कपड़े पहनते हैं। मुझे टिमटिमाते दीये बहुत पसंद हैं। सबको नवरात्रि की शुभकामनाएं!
नमस्कार सर्वांना! नवरात्री आली आहे. यात नऊ आनंदाच्या रात्री असतात. आम्ही नाचतो आणि सुंदर कपडे घालतो. मला लुकलुकणारे दिवे खूप आवडतात. सर्वांना नवरात्रीच्या शुभेच्छा!
Good morning friends! Navratri means nine nights. Each night we remember a different form of Goddess Durga. We dance the Garba with sticks and smiles. After nine nights comes Dussehra, when good wins over bad. Happy Navratri and Dussehra to everyone!
सुप्रभात दोस्तों! नवरात्रि का मतलब है नौ रातें। हर रात हम देवी दुर्गा के एक अलग रूप को याद करते हैं। हम डंडियों और मुस्कान के साथ गरबा खेलते हैं। नौ रातों के बाद दशहरा आता है, जब अच्छाई की जीत होती है। सभी को नवरात्रि और दशहरा की शुभकामनाएं!
सुप्रभात मित्रांनो! नवरात्री म्हणजे नऊ रात्री. प्रत्येक रात्री आपण देवी दुर्गेच्या वेगळ्या रूपाला आठवतो. आम्ही टिपऱ्या आणि हसतमुखाने गरबा खेळतो. नऊ रात्रींनंतर दसरा येतो, जेव्हा चांगुलपणाचा विजय होतो. सर्वांना नवरात्री आणि दसऱ्याच्या शुभेच्छा!
A very happy morning to all my teachers and friends! Navratri is a festival of nine nights, celebrating Goddess Durga’s courage and strength. We dance, wear colourful clothes, and light diyas every evening. Then comes Dussehra, when Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana teaches us that goodness always wins, with a big Ravana Dahan bonfire and sparkly fireworks. Wishing everyone a joyful Navratri and a happy Dussehra!
सभी शिक्षकों और दोस्तों को सुप्रभात! नवरात्रि नौ रातों का त्योहार है, जो देवी दुर्गा के साहस और शक्ति का उत्सव मनाता है। हम हर शाम नाचते हैं, रंग-बिरंगे कपड़े पहनते हैं और दीये जलाते हैं। फिर आता है दशहरा, जब भगवान राम की रावण पर जीत हमें सिखाती है कि अच्छाई की हमेशा जीत होती है। सभी को खुशियों भरी नवरात्रि और दशहरे की शुभकामनाएं!
सर्व शिक्षक आणि मित्रांना सुप्रभात! नवरात्री हा नऊ रात्रींचा सण आहे, जो देवी दुर्गेच्या धैर्याचा आणि शक्तीचा उत्सव साजरा करतो. आम्ही रोज संध्याकाळी नाचतो, रंगीबेरंगी कपडे घालतो आणि दिवे लावतो. मग येतो दसरा, जेव्हा प्रभू रामांचा रावणावरील विजय आपल्याला शिकवतो की चांगुलपणाचा नेहमी विजय होतो. सर्वांना आनंदी नवरात्री आणि दसऱ्याच्या शुभेच्छा!
Simple Essays & Show-and-Tell Lines
Navratri has nine happy nights.
We dance and wear colourful clothes.
Diyas glow bright every evening.
Dussehra comes after Navratri.
Dussehra teaches us good wins over bad.
Navratri means nine nights.
We celebrate nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Each day has a special colour to wear.
We dance Garba and Dandiya with family.
Diyas make our homes glow warmly.
We enjoy yummy sweets these days.
Dussehra comes on the tenth day.
It celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
There is a big Ravana Dahan with fireworks.
Navratri and Dussehra are full of joy and light.
Show a diya or dupatta and say what it’s for.
Talk about your favourite Navratri colour.
Share how you danced Garba with family.
Describe a yummy festive sweet you enjoyed.
Tell friends one thing Dussehra teaches us.
Rhymes & Songs
Nine Little Nights
Nine little nights, so bright and grand,
We dance with sticks, hand in hand.
Red and yellow, green and blue,
Nine pretty colours, just for you!
Diyas twinkle, soft and low,
Spreading warmth wherever we go.
Then comes Dussehra, big and bright,
Ravana falls with a happy light!
Good has won, hooray, hooray,
Come dance and sing this festive day!
नौ रातें आईं, खुशियां लाईं,
संग नाचें हम, डंडियां बजाईं।
लाल पीला हरा हो रंग,
सबके चेहरे खिले उमंग।
दीये जलें टिम-टिम टिम,
रोशनी फैले चारों दिशा में।
नऊ रात्री आल्या गोड,
सोबत नाचू घेऊन जोड.
लाल पिवळा हिरवा रंग,
सर्वांच्या चेहऱ्यावर आनंद अभंग.
दिवे लागले मंद मंद,
पसरे सगळीकडे प्रकाश छान.
Slogans for Kids
Nine nights, nine colours, so much fun!
Dance, twirl, and shine like the sun!
Good always wins, hip hip hooray!
Light a diya, light the way!
Garba, Dandiya, clap and cheer!
Happy Navratri, the festive time is here!
नौ रातें, नौ रंग, खूब मज़ा!
नाचो झूमो, बजे ढोल की सज़ा!
अच्छाई की जीत, हिप हिप हुर्रे!
दीया जलाओ, रोशनी फैलाओ!
गरबा डांडिया, ताली बजाओ!
खुशियों भरी नवरात्रि आई रे!
नऊ रात्री, नऊ रंग, मज्जाच मज्जा!
नाचा बागडा, आनंद साजरा करा!
चांगुलपणाचा विजय, हिप हिप हुर्रे!
दिवा लावा, प्रकाश पसरवा!
गरबा दांडिया, टाळ्या वाजवा!
आनंदी नवरात्री आली रे!
Play & Connect
No wrong answers, just fun guessing — plus captions to share, and answers to the questions parents ask us most.
Navratri & Dussehra Quiz for Kids
All done, little champion!
Every answer was a happy guess — great job!
Caption Ideas for Parents’ Social Media
Nine nights of twirls, twinkles, and tiny giggles! Happy Navratri from our little one.
Our mini Garba star is ready to dance the night away!
Small hands, big smiles — lighting up Navratri one diya at a time.
Happy Dussehra! Teaching our little one that good always wins.
Colour of the day: [insert colour] — and our little one wore it best!
Festive lights, festive nights, and the happiest little face.
Parents Ask — We Answer
Keep it simple: tell your toddler it is nine days of dancing, twinkly lights, and celebrating a kind, strong goddess. Young children respond best to short, cheerful explanations rather than detailed stories.
It can feel loud and big for some little ones because of the fireworks and bonfire. Watching from a comfortable distance, or even seeing a video first, can help your child enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.
Simple, comfortable festive clothing in bright colours works best for young children. Comfort and ease of movement matter more than elaborate outfits, especially for dancing and playing.
No, fasting is not suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. Festivals should stay joyful for little ones, and children should continue eating their regular, balanced meals.
Simple activities work wonderfully — lighting a diya together (with supervision), dressing in a colour of the day, or having a little dance session at home. These small moments create warm festive memories.
Some children may find loud sounds startling. Staying close, offering reassurance, and choosing a comfortable viewing spot can help your child feel safe while still enjoying the excitement.
Navratri is the nine-night celebration honouring Goddess Durga, while Dussehra is the tenth day, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Together, they form a joyful festive season.
You can play cheerful festive music and hold a mini dance session in your living room. Even simple clapping and swaying along helps toddlers feel part of the celebration.
Yes, easy crafts like a paper diya, a decorated dandiya stick, or a colourful paper crown are perfect for little hands — simple, safe, and fun for toddlers and preschoolers alike.
It is a fun and festive tradition where each day is linked to a special colour. Children especially enjoy picking out their outfit to match the colour of the day.
Continue the Journey
Discover joyful early learning at Rainbow Preschool International and continue through the school years at Rainbow International School.
Rainbow Preschool International
Ages 1.5–5.5 years · Thane · Give your little one a joyful start to their learning journey.
Rainbow International School
Nursery to Grade 12 · CBSE · Passion for Excellence in every classroom.
Explore More at Rainbow Preschools
At Rainbow Preschool International, Thane, we believe a child’s very first festivals should feel warm, joyful, and worry-free — full of colour, gentle stories, and shared smiles rather than pressure or perfection. Our classrooms bring little moments of culture and celebration into everyday learning, and we’d love to welcome your family to Rainbow Preschool International, Thane.
Families with an older child may also enjoy our companion guide, “Navratri & Dussehra 2026: History, Essays, Speeches & More,” written for Rainbow International School’s K-12 students.