10 ways to celebrate Holi at Schools
It’s Holi and you plan to do *something* around the festival at your kids’ school.
Or maybe you are a teacher who wants to create a more multicultural and inclusive environment in their classroom.
Here are some easy ways to provide a memorable cultural experience!
1. Introduce the Festival
Give a brief introduction and explain the significance of the festival.
Download the free celebration kit that includes 15 Holi activities along with the school presentation slides.
2. Storytime with Holi Tales
Books are a fantastic way to get the celebration going!
Share age-appropriate stories from Holi such as the legend behind the festival, the deeper meaning behind the festival, and so on. Check out Maya/Neel’s two Bestselling Holi books!
3. Make Fun and simple Holi crafts
Nothing better than a hands-on activity! I love these two because of how easy it is to both arrange for the material and also for kids of all ages to do.
Craft for Older Kids – Sliding Pichkari (download the free celebration kit at the bottom of the page for template and step-by-step instructions)
Craft for Younger kids – Prahlad Bonfire Lamp
4. Screen Kid-friendly Holi videos
Show educational and engaging videos about Holi to help children better understand the mythology and the story of Holi but in a age-appropriate way.
5. Invite a Guest Speaker/Author/Dance Instructor
If possible, bring in a guest speaker from the community, like a parent, author , or cultural educator, to speak about their Holi traditions and answer children’s questions.
An Indian dance workshop is another way to provide a fun and hands-on cultural experience!
Ajanta provides incredibly fun Holi interactive experiences at schools, libraries, and corporates.
6. Host a Holi Quiz
Use this template to host a fun Holi quiz! Offer small rewards for participation to make learning fun and interactive.
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
7. Holi Shark Rhyme
Little kids will absolutely adore this fun Holi rhyme to the tunes of Baby Shark. From Gulaal and Pichkari to Gujiya and Thandai, it has all the fun elements of Holi!
8. Dance Along with this Fun Holi Dance
Works great from K to Grade 5. Other than all the elements of Holi, it also enacts the story of Holi.
9. Holi Spot & Color Activity
The perfect activity to end the day with! The quick quiz will help them remember everything they learned and then they can color the Spot & Color activity page.
Remember, repetition is key for younger kids. While you might get bored, kids love hearing the same fact multiple times 🙂
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
10. Teach Hindi Colors
What a perfect opportunity to learn colors in Hindi!
For younger kids, use this Finger Family rhyme
For older kids, teach them verbally and then give them the “Match the Hindi colors” activity in our free celebration kit. Download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
DEI and Feminism – A Cycle of Intentional Misunderstanding
The term “DEI hire” has been reshaped into something it was never meant to be. Let’s set the record straight: hiring through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts does not mean bringing in unqualified candidates based on their identity. It simply means that everyone has an equal opportunity to be considered for a role.
Both conscious and unconscious biases have long shaped hiring decisions. Historically, systemic barriers have made it disproportionately harder for individuals from marginalized communities to even get a fair shot. DEI initiatives aim to level the playing field, ensuring talent is assessed for what it truly is—capability, skills, and potential—rather than overlooked due to preconceived notions or systemic disadvantages.
We have seen this pattern before. The word “feminism” was originally about advocating for equal opportunities, yet over time, it became unfairly associated with misandry, radicalism, and extreme behaviors. Even women who believe in gender equality sometimes hesitate to use the term due to the baggage it has accumulated. Now, a similar distortion is happening with DEI.
This cannot and should not be allowed to happen. DEI is a concept rooted in fairness, in giving everyone a chance to contribute, to thrive, and to be judged on their merit rather than factors beyond their control. At its core, it aligns perfectly with the American vision of “liberty and justice for all.”
Regardless of the shifting political landscape, let’s hope that corporate America continues to uphold these principles. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because diverse teams have been repeatedly proven to drive innovation, performance, and business success. The strength of an organization—and of a nation—lies in its ability to embrace and uplift all its members. Let’s ensure that DEI remains a force for progress, not a victim of misunderstanding.
Largest Collection of Diverse Children’s Books!
Get ready for the largest celebration of diverse children’s books with Read Your World on Jan 30th! Read Your World is a non-profit dedicated to getting diverse books into the hands of readers, parents, and educators.
Come party with us!
When: January 30, 2025, 9 pm ET
Where: Zoom (register for the link)
Who: You! Along with families, educators, & special guests
Why: Join us for a fun-filled hour celebrating diverse books, with giveaways & more!
Culture Connect Digest – The Great Wall of India
Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a 15th-century architectural marvel often referred to as the “Great Wall of India.” With its awe-inspiring scale, intricate design, and fascinating history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. Here are some incredible facts about this iconic fort that will leave you in awe:
1. Second Longest Wall in the World
Did you know that Kumbhalgarh Fort boasts the second-longest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China? Stretching an impressive 36 kilometers (22 miles), the fort’s wall offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and stands as a testament to the engineering brilliance of its time.
2. A Hidden Marvel
The fort’s design is nothing short of ingenious. Its walls and structures are so well integrated with the natural landscape that the fort is almost invisible from a distance. This clever camouflage helped it remain well-protected from enemies for centuries.
3. Secret Escapes and Hidden Features
Kumbhalgarh is filled with mysteries and secrets! The fort’s hidden tunnels, secret chambers, underground water reservoirs, and winding passages were designed to ensure the safety of its residents during sieges. Exploring these features feels like stepping into an ancient adventure story.
4. A Battle-Proof Fort
This fort is a masterpiece of defensive architecture. Its strategic design made it virtually impossible to conquer in battle. The only time it fell to an enemy was when invaders managed to poison the water supply – a rare and underhanded tactic.
5. A Temple Haven
Inside the fort, you’ll find an astonishing 360 temples, most of which are Jain temples. These structures showcase intricate carvings and architectural brilliance, making them a haven for those interested in history and spirituality.
6. Wide Enough for 8 Horses
The wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort isn’t just long; it’s also remarkably wide! At 15 feet, it’s spacious enough for eight horses to ride side by side. Today, you could even drive a car on it if permitted—a true testament to the grandeur of its construction.
So next time you’re in Rajasthan, make sure to add Kumbhalgarh Fort to your itinerary. It’s a destination that promises wonder, mystery, and a glimpse of India’s incredible history!
International Impact Book Award Winner!
We are beyond thrilled and deeply grateful to share that the Maya & Neel India Adventure Series has been honored with the International Impact Book Awards! ????✨
This recognition feels especially meaningful as it celebrates our latest book, which reimagines a traditional festival in a modern, inclusive light. ❤️????
We poured our hearts into creating a story that breaks stereotypes and opens up the joy of Raksha Bandhan to everyone—regardless of gender or role. Knowing that this message is resonating globally validates our mission in the most incredible way. ????✨
Thank you to all our readers, supporters, and the amazing community that inspires us to keep sharing these stories. Here’s to making every tradition more inclusive and every story more meaningful! ????????
#InclusiveBooks #GlobalImpact #RakshaBandhanForAll #Mayaneelbooks