Kid-friendly aarti for puja or navratri
Navratri is a fun Hindu celebration, enjoyed by all ages, in honor of goddess Durga that is celebrated with everyone near and far. Devotees come together to celebrate with the colours of Navratri on chaniya choli and do a dance known as Garba followed by aarti.
In this post, I show you how easy it is to get kids involved for the Durga Ma celebration.
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A pooja thali is one that is made for prayer. During Navratri the prayer is done after hours of Garba have finished and in some cases, continue even thereafter. Praise the goddess with a lighted ghee diya (candle with cotton wick) if you are able to keep careful and safe. For children, I started to use tea light candles that are battery-powered. Not only does this keep them engaged, but we adults can enjoy a prayer!
Ma Durga Mantra
My kids love sleeping to Ma Durga Mantra. It is not only soothing and relaxing to listen to, but motivating as well. Our family favorite ma Durga mantra includes Vishvambhari Stuti, which can be easily found on youtube.
I want my girls to love dancing just as much as I do, but I want them to love Garba even more! I grew up in a house where Navratri was a very cherished time. Not just for the religious aspect, but the family values and memories are the reasons I love this holiday.
Children at Navratri
This is a celebration that kids should be involved with and enjoy. I for one remember doing aarti as a kid during Garba. The swaying of the tray with hot ghee and a candlelit fire. I remember my parents being extra cautious.
This is where this idea came about to honor Ma Durga. Granted, it is not traditional but the concept and early experience is what I am all about. I was pregnant with baby number 2 and wobbled my way into Walmart to buy the supplies necessary to make a kid-friendly aarti dish.
Supplies needed
- A Plate (metal, plastic, kid friendly) Try these
- Glue Stick or Glue
- Tape
- Decorations (colored rice, confetti, fresh flowers, rhinestones, etc)
- Battery Powered Tea Light Candle(s)
- Navratri colors or prints such as bandhari
How to make the aarti
- Stick the tea light candle on the aarti plate with some rolled tape (double sided hack). This will help you to remove and stick the candle on the tray as often as you like to use the aarti.
- Let your little one decorate around the candle with whatever their heart desires! Glue some rhinestones on the aarti, paint it, add petals or whole flowers, add colored rice, etc.
- Match it with your little one's outfit
Step by Step Instructions
Double side tape a battery powered tea light to a dish you already have and add flower petals. 
tape helps the tea light from falling 
Place a tea light where a diya goes for an easier kid friendly aarti. 
Small or large plates work! 
Hot Glue a battery powered tea light between two diva slots so the switch is easily reachable.
Garba Chaniya Choli for Kids
If your little one is anything like mine, then they will not wear anything that even slightly itches. For this reason, I get most of my kid's ethnic wear made in India or I to make it myself. They prefer soft fabric which no rhinestones, lace, etc. Some of my favorite shops for kid wear include G3 in India, Kalki Fashion in Bombay, or Paris in Surat. For traditional wear, I like to look to little shops in Gujarat India.
Watching my daughter do aarti with her own dish melted my heart and brought back so many memories. It made me even more thankful for my childhood experience and family love. Because of that experience, I am able to think outside of the box for my kids and their experience.
Spread the Joy!
I WANT TO SEE YOUR LITTLE ONE'S AARTI!
Tag @thecurrymommy or hashtag #thecurrymommy
Can't wait to see the kids participate this year.