Parenting & Lifestyle for you!!

As we approach 26th January, the Republic day of India, there is a feel of patriotism in the breeze. Indeed, this day is special, as there can be so many activities planned for kids and family to raise awareness about the sacrifices of our citizens for a free constitutional India. Let’s celebrate this day with full patriotism feel!

Republic day history for kids :

Well, Republic day of India, celebrated on 26th Jan, is the day when the constitution of India was born. And just to let you know that it is unique, since it is the largest written liberal democratic constitution of the world. This calls for a celebration, isn’t it? And more so, it will help children instil patriotism in them right from the start. This will certainly turn them into responsible citizen, full of gratitude and courage.

Here are some interesting ways to celebrate Republic day with kids :

1. Republic day parade :

To me, watching the really amazing Republic day parade is a must. It fills me with so much of love for our people, our country. Why not, this time plan to watch parade with your kids. Educate them about different acts being performed, show them the diversity of India. Sing along some Republic day songs – Mere Desh ki Dharti , Aye watan tere liye, apni azaadi ko hum, and so on! Play them and feel their words.

2. Flag Hoisting :

If you are celebrating Republic day in your society, let kids participate in Flag Hoisting. Usually Flag hoisting happens in many schools, universities and other public institutions as well. Kids should be a part to pay their respect to India and our National flag.

3. Dress up traditionally :

Dressing up creates a zeal for any festivities to begin. So why not dress up kids, either in tri-colour or dress up as per the cultural diversity of India. Incase, you are celebrating as a community, arrange for kids fancy dress competition. That would be great fun.

4. Indian republic day Craft Ideas :

Let the festivities begin, as you can start engaging preschoolers and older kids in the Republic day crafts. The start can always be with Crafting Indian Flag out of paper or you can even decorate the Indian Flag, to wave it on 26th January. Making a flag simply needs white sheet, tri-colours and a long thin stick to hold the flag. While decorating it would need some pompoms, cut outs of glitter, felt paper, sequins, crepe paper and so on.

Other interesting republic day crafts using Tri-colour (Saffron, White, Green) can be:

a) Paper rocket signifying the importance for the country.

b) A Kite which kids can even fly once the sun is out.

c) Tri-colour medals made out of felt paper/normal sheet, to celebrate the bravery of kids

d) Tri – colour Pen stand to keep their beloved colours.

e) Those who love quilling, Tri-colour earrings / flower patterns can also be a great option.

f) Wall hangings showing unity (Joined hands/human cut-out) look great and help kids understand importance of unity

g) Spray painting with Saffron, White and Green will be loved by Pre schoolers who love the messy work of spraying all the way.[Just like my son].

The basic idea is to make the day full of creative fun and make them understand the significance of Republic Day for us. If you stay in societies, you can even plan for a Republic day craft making competition among all kids. That will be super fun, I must say.

5. Facts and Story telling time :

Why not plan a story-telling session, from some senior member of the family or neighbourhood? Our elders have lots of stories of unity, struggle, freedom, sacrifices which needs to be shared with children. It can be a real interesting and loving session of kids as well as of the elders in the family, who will love to revisit some old memories with children. Allow kids to know the diversity of culture, heritage, languages, religion that India has. Promote Unity in Diversity.

Also, let them know the National Bravery awards which are given to kids from all over India for their bravery in various acts. Further, also make it a point to watch these awards while being telecasted. Believe me, these awards are so encouraging and instils a sense of courage and stand for the truth in us and kids.

6. Colourful foods :

This is a fun activity which kids will love tons. Why not have some saffron, white and green coloured interesting foods in snacks and lunch? The most common are the colourful Sandwich, which kids can fill themselves and grab a yummy bite. [Saffron – carrots, white – cheese, Green – Chutney/spinach – corn spread]. For the lunch, one can make colourful Biryani, Idli’s, Marinated and BBQ Paneer steak [orange tomatoes – white paneer & Onion – green capsicum].

Even colourful pasta is a good option!

Fruit time can again be a combination of Oranges – bananas – green grapes. Thus, a full breakfast – lunch  – fruit time can be made special.

7. Fun Time with balloons :

That can be in the form of different Balloon plays with all three colours, saffron, white and green. Blow, tie, and have fun with balloons.

8. Rangoli & tattoo :

You can have simple floral rangoli made out of Orange, white flowers and green leaves. Kids love making rangoli and this is an eco friendly idea. Make a fun tattoo with colours on kids faces, hands for a more festive fervour. Ensure the colours are safe.

9. Distribute sweets :

Kids can plan a visit to Orphanage and distribute sweets to kids there. One take some hand made Republic day gifts, like pen stands for those kids, to celebrate the happiness.

10. Cultural Programs :

You can plan cultural programs in your society or neighbourhood, wherein kids can be given a chance to speak few lines about republic day, why do they feel it is important for us? This can be followed by some patriotic songs by elders, small skits by kids. This will not just help kids in knowing the value of a free nation, but will also help them know the sacrifices our soldiers have done for a Free liberal India.

So what are your plans for celebrating the R-day, the birthday of Indian constitution with Kids? Why not share your ideas with our readers here in the comment section?

Thanking Ruchi, a lovely mom and an entrepreneur from wiggling pen. Next station of this blog train is of Jyoti, who has ushered her deepest feeling in her blog for her passion towards beauty. She’s bringing out something great for you all. Stay Tuned!

Participating in blogtrain hosted by Ruchi Verma (wigglingpen)!