Making Diyas – A Fun and Engaging Activity For Kids
Making Diyas
A diya is an oil lamp traditionally used in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Zoroastrian religious festivals. It is made from clay and a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oils. The lamps are placed on the parapets of temples and houses, in front yards and around the home in a variety of shapes and styles, and as part of elaborate rangoli designs made of coloured rice, sand or flower petals.
Making diyas can be a fun and engaging activity for preschool students. It also provides students with an opportunity to practice social skills. Children can work with a partner or small group to create a diya. Then, they can place a tea light candle in the center to celebrate Diwali. This is a great way to reinforce learning and celebrate this festive season.
The process of creating a diya can be a great way for kids to learn about the world and its many cultures. This activity can be done in the classroom and can be incorporated into science, math and social studies lessons as well. For example, when learning about India’s history, students can create their own terracotta clay version of the traditional diva and use it to represent a major event in Indian history.
Making Diyas – A Fun and Engaging Activity For Kids
In addition, this project can be used to introduce different cultures and religions to young learners. It can help children understand the diversity of religions in our country and the similarities that bring us together. It is also a good opportunity for kids to get creative with their clay and make unique and beautiful diyas.
Clay is a non-toxic, durable material that can be easily molded to produce a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Once the clay has been shaped, it can be dried and painted for added decoration. This is a great activity for a family or group craft project, and it can be an excellent way to pass on traditions, make memories and teach children about the world around them.
MFPA’s collection of handmade clay diyas are ideal for environmental lovers since they are eco friendly and sturdy. They are a great gift for those who love their environment and the Indian artisans who made them.
Roll the clay into a ball the size of a ladoo (a little larger than a ping pong). Use your hands to further incorporate the colors and continue rolling until a 1/4-inch thickness is reached. You can experiment with the mixing of colors to create patterns, marbling effects and multiple variations for your diyas. You can even stack the colors together before rolling. If desired, add glitter or other decorations to the clay before drying and painting. Then, let the clay dry overnight before using it to light a candle in honor of Diwali. Soaking the clay may seem like an unnecessary step but it actually helps keep the clay from cracking over time. Moreover, it also mitigates the heating from the flame.