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Holi activities for children

Holi activities for children

What is Holi?

In India, the Holi festival celebrates the arrival of spring. Holi is also celebrated in Nepal, Pakistan, and other countries where there is a large Hindu population. It was originally a celebration of fertile land and good harvests, and a way to enjoy the colours of spring flowers while saying goodbye to winter. Even though it's autumn here in New Zealand, we can still celebrate this colourful festival, which children love.

How is Holi celebrated?

The night before Holi, a bonfire is lit and families and friends gather to sing and dance. Then on the morning of Holi, people wear white clothing from head to toe and meet to toss handfuls of colourful powdered paint or coloured water on each other. It is a messy but fun occasion! There are parades and music during the day. In the evening, people tidy up and visit their family and friends to eat Holi delicacies and sweets together.

Holi activities

Here are three activities you can try using tempera powder paint or Holi powder. Adults can support children with the steps of each activity. Don't be afraid to make a mess! 

PAINT POWDER PEOPLE

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Card or paper
  • Marker pen
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Different colours of tempera powder paint or Holi powder

HOW TO DO IT:

  1. Draw the shape of a person on to the card with the marker pen.
  2. Use the spray bottle to spray water on to the card, wetting the area within the outline of the person.
  3. Sprinkle the coloured powder over the wet card. Use lots of colours!
  4. When you're finished with the paint, spray the card again, then hang up the card so that the colours run. It's okay if it's messy, but you might want to hang it somewhere the mess won't matter, like outside.
  5. When the card has dried, cut out the figure. 
  6. It's a fun idea to make several and then punch holes in the hands, and tie together with string to create a banner of painted people.

SLIPPERY SLIME

YOU WILL NEED:

  • 3 cups warm water
  • Large bowl
  • 1 cup soap flakes
  • Different colours of tempera powder paint or Holi powder
  • Electric beater or hand beater
  • Measuring cup

HOW TO DO IT:

  1. Encourage your child to measure three cups of water and add them to a bowl. Add the soap flakes.
  2. Beat the ingredients together until all the soap flakes have dissolved and you are left with a foamy mixture. 
  3. Divide into containers and add a different Holi colour to each. For best results, let sit for an hour or overnight. Keeps for up to a week.

ICE PAINTING

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Shallow tray or ice-cream container
  • Water
  • Different colours of tempera powder paint or Holi powder
  • Sheet of paper (cut to fit inside the container)

HOW TO DO IT:

  1. Fill your container with water to 2cm from the top. Place in the freezer until frozen solid.
  2. When your ice is frozen, take the container out and set it on a table. Gather your paint powder and paper.
  3. Sprinkle the coloured powder over the ice, making a pattern. Then place the paper over the paint. Make sure it is touching the paint.
  4. As the ice melts, the coloured powder will soak into the paper. When you notice this happening, it's time to take your picture off the ice. Hang up to dry.

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