The Navratri celebrations are in full swing across the country and ’tis probably the best time to teach our kids more about our culture and heritage. Be it the Golu culture from Tamilnadu or the Pujo celebrations in Bengal– Durga Puja is celebrated wide across the country- and gives us (and the kids) a perspective into the power of Shakti- the Hindu Goddess.
How strong are we raising our daughters in today’s times? Are we teaching them to be strong, resilient and confident? Are we doing enough to teach them that there is nothing called a gender divide and boys and girls are the same? Ask yourself these questions, once in a while, during your parenting journey- you’ll seek the answers.
This Dussehra, we list the best books you need to read to/with your kids to teach them more about Goddess Durga/Shakti/Parvathi/Mahishasura Mardhini- any name you call, to invoke the power and blessings!
Another popular title in the “Amma, Tell me” series by Bhakti Mathur, this book is ideal for kids 4 and above. With great illustrations by Maulshree Somani, this book teaches kids why we celebrate Durga Puja and the power of the Goddess, her victory against the evil and lots more.
2. Celebrate!: Dussehra & Durga Puja (Celebrate! Your Fun Festival Handbook)
This book is what you will need to sail through the festive season this year. Suitable for kids 6 years and above, this book teaches kids all about the festivities across India, during these ten days- how each state celebrates and also lists 20 different fun things your kids can do to ring in the celebrations.
3. Celebrate Durga Puja With Me! (From the Toddler Diaries)
Ideal for kids 3-8 years, this book describes the festivities and the grandeur of Durga Puja from the eyes of a 3-year-old toddler and how she thinks of them, what it means to her etc.
Teach your 6-year-olds all about how Mahishasura- the evil demon wreaked havoc and the gods decided to put together all of their powers to create the unstoppable force- Durga and how she helped defeat evil and restore the balance in the world.
5. Scholastic Book of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
How much do your little ones know about the Gods and Goddess? This book explains to them the basics in a manner they will understand. Ideal for kids aged 4 and above.
6. Tales of Durga by Amar Chitra Katha
The Amar Chitra Katha collection is a favourite among kids and parents who want to connect with Indian mythology. This comic series narrates the stories of Goddess Durga, and how she used the power bestowed upon her. A fun read for kids when you are travelling or need to engage the kids for longer hours especially.
7. The Puffin Book Of Hindu Gods & Goddesses
Fun and interesting facts penned down for easy reading for kids are things that make this book a casual and easy read. The colourful illustrations by Priyankar Gupta help in engaging your kids. And when kids learn more about Greek mythology in school, this book will help them draw parallels between the Hindu and Greek mythology. Read our complete review on #KSPBookClub here.
8. Ved and Friends Celebrate Dussehra and Diwali
This is a well-researched collection of short stories for kids, especially the NRI ones, to help them connect with the roots better. Elaborating the Indian festivals in a language the kids can understand, this book is ideal for kids aged 4 years and above.
This series of board books for your tiny tots (1-3 years) comes featuring all the Hindu Gods- making them easy to understand for the kids, with big, bright illustrations.
9. Nava Durga
9 days are earmarked to worship and celebrate the 9 different forms of Goddess Durga. How do each of these forms play a role in inspiring us? How do they stay relevant to today’s strong girls? This book talks to us all about that.
Mansi Zaveri
Aishwarya Suraj
