Diwali 2025: How kids can celebrate with creativity, culture, and care

File pic

This year, let the celebration go beyond lights and laddoos. Involve your young ones in the season's sparkle with activities that are as meaningful yet fun. From hands-on workshops and eco-friendly gifts to kitchen adventures inspired by their favourite bakers, here are five delightful ways for kids to join the festivities and make memories that last well beyond the fireworks.

Up it with puppets
Bring the magic of Ramleela alive with Ramleela Puppet Theatre by Crafty Bugs Atelier, which immerses children in the rich storytelling traditions of Indian culture, sparking creativity, imagination, and a deeper connection to our festive heritage - all while having fun!
▸ ▸ ▸
PRICE: R15,000 onwards
TO BOOK: @craftybugsatelier

Bakers' Diwali
Introduce your young chefs to the joy of festive baking! Refer to kid-friendly baking books by Pooja Dhingra (The Little Book of Cookies) and Shivesh Bhatia (A Cookbook for Special Days, Special People), which are filled with simple, delightful recipes for cookies, cupcakes, and festive treats. Perfect for family kitchen adventures that smell like happiness and taste like celebration.
▸ ▸ ▸
PRICE: R599 and R539 respectively
TO BUY: Online and at major bookstores

DIY wali Diwali
Let your child craft their own colourful toran! Designed for little hands, this kit turns decoration into a bonding activity, full of festive fun. It includes a personalised box, seven fabric patches, 12-piece tempera colours, a hanging cord, Fevicol, and mirror cut-outs.
▸ ▸ ▸
PRICE: R350 onwards
TO BUY: Instagram@style_tantra

Family wala fun
Head to KidZania Mumbai for FamJam Diwali, a futuristic celebration blending tradition and tech. From neon diya and circuit-kandil workshops to glowing installations like the Future Diya Photobooth and Glow Tree of Wishes, families can explore creativity, culture, and innovation through immersive, hands-on festive fun.
▸ ▸ ▸
PRICE: R1000 onwards
TO BUY: india.kidzania.com