New Delhi: Navratri is a festival that celebrates the divine feminine, strength and devotion, with so much vibrancy that it is something to look forward to every year. Schools use this festive occasion to encourage cultural growth, learning and evoking a sense of shared community spirit among students. Celebrating Navratri in schools and colleges is not only fun but also educational. Offering opportunities to explore traditions, cultural variations, music, dance and rituals. With activities like the Garba and Dandiya competitions, storytelling sessions, and crafts, people can be active participants while also learning about different practices of the same festival. 

These kinds of celebrations provide students with the opportunity to participate, explore and experiment with their skillsets, all the while appreciating cultural diversity. It is a chance to learn about the significance of Maa Durga and traditions related to it. With activities like dance performances, art competitions, and food stalls, students can express themselves creatively while learning that celebration is not only about joy and celebrations—it is also about maintaining discipline, respect and compassion. 

Here are some activities you can introduce in schools for kids

• Dance Competition:  Focused on Dandiya and Garba, organise a friendly dance event where students perform traditional dances. Offer prizes to get a more festive spirit. Since both dances are group performances, they’ll learn how to participate in group activities. 
• Storytelling Session: Share myths and legends related to Maa Durga. This encourages students to participate in narration and storytelling. 
• Art and Craft Workshop: Students can create decorations for the event, feeling more connected to it as they have made something themselves. 
• Healthy Festive Food Stalls: Set up stalls to savour in festive food that is native to the state and region, so everyone can indulge. You can ask the parents to oversee or use cold cooking to ensure the arena is safe. 

School celebrations are a beautiful way of combining tradition with learning. These activities ensure that the students feel connected with each other and also feel connected to a community. Through these activities, children not only have fun but also share a sense of responsibility and teamwork.