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India, one of the biggest democracies in the world, celebrates its Independence Day on the 15th of August. It is the day of national celebration and when Indians remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors to attain freedom. It is an occasion to introduce Independence Day activities for kids that reflect the essence of this special day. In this MomJunction post, we present a list of 16 activities to mark the day.
Key Pointers
- Independence Day, celebrated on August 15th, is one of the most important days in Indian history.
- Flag hoisting, sit-and-draw competitions, patriotic song-signing competitions, and Independence Day craft activities are some activities celebrated in schools and residential communities.
- You can watch movies with your children based on freedom fighters or read books to them.
- Planning a historical walk can also be great if your city has historical monuments.
18 Engaging Independence Day Activities For Kids
Rekha Karmakar, a mother and blogger, shares an engaging activity organized by her son Sid’s school to celebrate Independence Day. She recalls, “I remember a competition was arranged in my son Sid’s school Assembly of Godchurch, where the students were asked to interview their grandparents, who had witnessed the struggle for independence. Sid took an interview with my father and wrote it down. It so happened, Sid won the competition. As a result, my parents were specially invited to the school on 15 August. They requested my father to give a talk about his experiences of those days, which he did very well and made us proud. After the ceremony, my parents were treated to a sumptuous refreshment (i).”
1. Flag hoisting
Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations begin with the hoisting of the national flag that signifies the nation’s pride and dignity.
You may take your child to the flag hoisting ceremony held in your locality or school. Encourage them to participate in the event. Make them sing the national anthem and recite the pledge of allegiance with everyone.
Did you know?2. March-past
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March-past is a parade or procession that is usually arranged on Independence Day to inculcate team spirit among children. As a teacher or a parent, take up the initiative to organize the march-past in the school or your locality. Give children time to practice their marching skills before the final event. The march-past is performed in sync with a loud drill and after the hoisting of the tricolor flag.
3. Painting and drawing competitions
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These competitions add fun and are a wonderful way to encourage creativity in kids. You may organize painting and drawing competitions on topics of I-Day. Take topics that emphasize the theme of freedom and motivate children to express their feelings through colors. Face painting can also be a great way to show your patriotic spirit.
4. Patriotic skits and plays
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Skits and plays could make the Independence Day celebration more cheerful. Stage a play with your kid around a script demonstrating patriotism or enacting the life of any famous freedom fighter. Teachers can use this activity to give a broader view of history and freedom fighters’ role to the children. Famous speeches spoken by our freedom fighters can be incorporated into the skits, music, or plays.
5. Patriotic singing
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There are several Indian patriotic songs for kids in multiple languages. Get the lyrics printed on paper and make children sing in groups. Explain the meaning of the songs to instill the feeling of love, honor, and respect for the country.
Quick fact6. Cultural dance
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Dancing is a great way to express patriotism and can connect children from various cultural backgrounds. Your child can participate in the various dance events conducted as a part of I-Day celebrations. Arrange a dance instructor so that the children can learn the right steps beforehand. Indian dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and more could be amalgamated into a single chain of dances. This activity highlights the unity in cultural diversity present in India.
7. Patriotic costume contest
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It is fun to dress up as a famous freedom fighter or as an Indian soldier in a fancy dress competition. It will be a platform for your kid to learn about historical personalities and the freedom struggle. The activity could be made more colorful by including unique items such as a walking stick and spectacles for Mahatma Gandhi, a rose for Nehru, and a cap for Subhash Chandra Bose.
8. Quiz contest
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Watch patriotic movies together at home or screen it, using projectors in the school auditorium. There are many good movies you can watch with your friends and family. Some of them are Border, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, and Mangal Pandey, and a few others in the regional languages. These movies are impactful and could make your kid conscious about patriotism and the spirit of sacrifice displayed by our freedom fighters.
9. Independence Day movie marathon
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Watch patriotic movies together at home or screen it, using projectors in the school auditorium. There are many good movies you can watch with your children. Some of them are Border, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, and Mangal Pandey, and a few others in the regional languages. These movies are impactful and could make your kid conscious about patriotism and the spirit of sacrifice displayed by our freedom fighters.
Did you know?10. Independence Day theme party
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Involve your children in making theme decorations with color combinations of the national flag and related national symbols. As a teacher or an organizer, you may prepare theme-based dishes such as tricolor sandwiches, pasta, or salads, and plan theme-based group games for kids. Hosting such a party or picnic can also be a community event.
11. Flag relay race
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It is a regular relay race, but instead of using a baton, the kids pass the national flag. It is an excellent physical activity too. Children can learn about teamwork while also enjoying the spirit of I-Day.
12. T-shirt painting
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You may make your kids paint their own T-shirts instead of getting them a store-bought tricolor T-shirt. They could either paint a flag on a white T-shirt or make palm impressions of saffron and green colors. These personalized paintings on the T-shirts could bring out the creative skills of your child.
13. Historic walk in your city
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You may research historic places in your city that hold traces of the freedom struggle. Plan a trip with your children so that they get a better knowledge of the place. You may ask them to browse and learn about the place before visiting it. Give an assignment to note down the observations after the visit. Incorporating learning with outdoor activities is an engaging way to learn about one’s own country. Colorful balloons could be used in the walk as well.
14. Crossword puzzle
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This game increases the knowledge of the national day. Create a crossword puzzle containing words associated with I-Day such as patriotism, freedom, democracy, father of the nation, the name of freedom fighters, freedom movements, and more. Set up the game amongst the kids or various teams of children.
15. Flag making with pulses
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Involving your child in this craft activity could help them understand the significance of various colors of the national flag. All they need for this activity is paper, glue, and three types of pulses (masoor dal for saffron, moong dal for green, and urad dal for white). You may ask them to try different shapes of tricolor. Help them draw the shape on the paper, and stick the pulses according to the national flag colors.
16. Making the Independence Day guide
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Work along with children by collecting pictures, fact sheets, and graphics related to the nation and independence. Pick things such as the national flag, national bird, national anthem, national animal, freedom fighters, and more. Ask them to stick on a scrapbook or help them in making a PowerPoint presentation.
17. Patriotic scavenger hunt
Host a patriotic scavenger hunt to promote teamwork and enhance problem-solving skills among students. Provide a list of patriotic items like the Indian flag or saffron, white, and green balloons during the August 15 festivities. It promises an engaging and fun-filled experience.
18. Patriotic bingo
For a family or classroom celebration, patriotic bingo is a fantastic option. It requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for family or classroom celebrations. As kids play, they’ll familiarize themselves with the Pledge, the Indian flag, and other significant symbols, enhancing their knowledge of Indian history and culture while refining concentration and memory skills. It’s a fun way to celebrate Independence Day.
Safety Tips For Independence Day Activities
Before planning Independence Day activities for children, consider the following factors to ensure they have fun while staying safe:
- Supervise your children during all games and activities
- For paint-based activities, choose non-toxic and kid-friendly paints
- Avoid using sharp, heavy, or hazardous materials for craft projects
- Keep your children hydrated and apply sunscreen for outdoor activities
- Be aware of any food allergies when planning food-based activities
- Ensure play areas are clean and free of potential hazards to prevent accidents
- Keep a first-aid kit handy for any minor injuries or mishaps
These Independence Day activities for kids are a great way to help them understand how India became an independent nation. As a parent or a teacher, set an example for your children by accompanying them to flag hoisting events or telling them about how the nation achieved freedom. These activities may eventually help children appreciate their freedom and independence bestowed on us by our ancestors, and instill a sense of patriotism. Also, these traditions can make them feel proud and have gratitude for our legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I involve my children in making an Independence Day-themed dinner?
Get them excited about the occasion by having them help plan the menu and decorate the table. Encourage them to be creative with their ideas and let them take charge of specific tasks, such as setting the table or helping with simple recipes.
2. What are some Independence Day songs I can teach my children?
Some popular Indian Independence Day songs that you can teach your kids are “Vande Mataram” by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, “Jai Ho” by A.R. Rahman, “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon” by Kavi Pradeep, and “Maa Tujhe Salaam” by A.R. Rahman.
3. How can kids get involved in community parades on Independence Day?
Children can participate in community parades on Independence Day by joining local organizations, schools, or youth groups. They can also organize their own mini parade alongside friends and neighbors in their neighborhood or community.
4. Are there any age-appropriate books or movies that teach children about the history of Independence Day?
Some well-liked choices include “A Children’s History of India” and “Saffron, White and Green: The Amazing Story of India’s Independence” by Subhadra Sengupta, and “India’s Freedom Story” by Ira Saxena and Nilima Sinha. “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” and “Gandhi” are some interesting movie choices.
5. How can kids create their own fireworks or light displays for Independence Day?
It is advisable for children to avoid making their own fireworks. In case they do, follow fireworks safety for kids to ensure optimal protection from danger. Moreover, they can hang battery-operated LED lights in patterns on fences or trees, or make DIY lanterns using paper, glue, and vibrant cellophane. To enhance the effects, they can also use glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark paint.
6. Are there any virtual events or online activities that kids can participate in on Independence Day?
Yes, children can engage in a range of virtual events and online activities on Independence Day. They can join virtual parades, watch live-streamed fireworks displays, participate in online patriotic crafts, and take part in interactive history lessons about independence.
7. Can you suggest some age-appropriate trivia or quiz games to test children’s knowledge about Independence Day?
There are a few trivia or quiz games suitable for children on Independence Day. These include “Who Am I? Independence Day Edition,” “Independence Day Trivia Challenge,” and “Independence Day Word Scramble.”
8. Are there any educational benefits of Independence Day activities?
Independence Day activities help kids understand freedom and democracy while educating them about India’s rich heritage. They teach the day’s historical significance, boost creativity through crafts, and promote teamwork and social skills through group activities.
Illustration: Independence Day Activities And Celebration Ideas For Kids
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Celebrate Independence Day with engaging crafts for preschoolers! Create flags, paintings, and more for a memorable experience.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Platinum Jubilee celebration of India’s independence (2022);https://tabulousmom.blogspot.com/2022/08/platinum-jubilee-celebration-of-indias.html
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