Celebrate the festival of lights this Diwali with these fun and easy Diwali crafts for kids. We’re sharing 20 fun craft ideas with symbols of Diwali including diyas, rangolis, garlands, fireworks, and more!
From DIY lanterns to vibrant rangoli designs, these crafts are as enjoyable to make as they are lovely to look at.
I first learned of Diwali when I was in high school and we celebrated it at school. Students who were familiar with the tradition would make a presentation to the entire school and we would all get to partake in the celebrations over the week.
When I was elected as the Diversity Student Counsel member (Prefect as we were know by), I helped set up the celebrate at our school in collaboration with the Indian students. It was always such a joy to learn and partake in the tradition especially around this time of year!
What is Diwali?
Diwali is India’s largest and most important holiday of the year. The festival is named after the row of clay lamps or deepa that Indians light outside their homes to represent the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as vital to the faith of Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
What are the Diwali Traditions?
For Hindus, Diwali is a time to honour the gods and goddesses. The most important is the goddess Lakshmi. It is believed she will step into your home if it’s clean.
When is Diwali and how long is it?
Diwali celebrated in either October or November and happens as the same time as the new moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually lasts five days.
What can you do during Diwali?
There are many traditional things to do for each day of Diwali. The main day of Diwali is on the 3rd day. On that day there are fireworks at night. Friends and family come together for a large dinner with food such as samosas and pakoras (fritters).
During the festival, beautiful and intricate designs called rangoli are made. They’re typically made on the floor or ground. To make them, people usually use things such as coloured rice or powder. They are said to bring good luck.
OK! Are you ready to create some beautiful art to help celebrate this bright Festival of Lights?
Diwali Crafts for Kids
1. Sponge Printed Diya
Cut a sponges in the shape of a Diya to create this colorful sponge printed Diya craft. This craft is great for younger kids and kindergartners.
2. Diwali Paper Lantern
Or make a paper lantern using construction paper paper and gem stones with this easy lantern craft.
3. Watercolor and Pen Henna
Or make and decorate you own handprint with beautiful henna using watercolors and a pen. This is great for older kids.
4. Paper Plate Diwali Diya
Create and design your own Diya using a paper plate and plate. Complete with a construction paper candle.
5. Free Diwali Colouring Pages
These free Diwali printables are an easy way to celebrate Diwali with your kids. Print them out and decorate them to make your own Diwali decoration or cards for family and friends.
6. Q-Tip Painted Henna Handprint
This craft is not just about creating a vibrant piece of art; it’s a hands-on experience in cultural appreciation.Â
7. Fireworks Paper Towel Surprise Art
Fireworks Paper Towel Surprise Art is a fun and easy to create fine motor art activity for toddlers. Light up some fireworks using water!
8. Crayon Resist Henna
This hands-on crayon resist Henna art craft not only lets kids play with patterns and designs but also reveals their artwork in a fun and dramatic way.
9. Paper Plate Diya Craft with Candle
This simple paper plate craft is perfect for toddlers. Simply cut a hole large enough for a tea candle and then decorate the plate with colorful crayons or makers, gems and glitter.
10. Salt Painted Fireworks
Celebrate the Festival of Lights by coloring salted painted fireworks. This fun and easy painting technique is part science and part art and the perfect Diwali craft for kids of all ages.
11. Paper Plate Rangoli
This simple paper plate Rangoli or Mandala using simple supplies like pom poms, pumpkin seeds and a paper plate to make a unique craft for Diwali.
12. Salt Dough Diya Lamps
Create, decorate and design your own Diva lamp using salt dough. Find my easy salt dough recipe here.
13. Handprint Diya
This handprint diya craft is a fun and easy way to celebrate Diwali at home or in the classroom.
14. DIY Diwali popup card
Or you can make a popup card for Diwali. Color and decorate it with gemstone stickers and markers and surprise someone this Diwali.
15.Pattern paper  Toran, Bandarwal Craft
This is link will show you have to easily make a Toran, Bandarwal this Diwali using patterned paper and colorful gem stickers.
16. Hanging paper Lantern
Or create a colorful hanging paper lantern using tissue paper with this easy hanging lantern craft.
17. Paper DIya ornament
Or make a folded paper diva ornaments with this easy craft that you can hang in your home or classroom.
18. Cardboard Tube Flower Lamps
Or use cardboard tubes, painted and cut to create flower lamps to hold LED tea candles.
19. Paper Diya Diwali Garland
This paper quill garland of Diyas is a fun and easy way to celebrate Diwali this fall. Perfect for the classroom. Have each student make on and display the garland in your class.
20. Coloured Sand
Make colored sand using this easy recipe and then create colorful design with the sand on cards or construction paper. Or simply set up a Diwali sensory bin and use the colored same to create your own Rangoli or Mandala.
21. Scratch Art Henna Handprint
This scratch off henna art activity is a great after school idea to try with kids this Diwali. Simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers and engaging enough that older kids will enjoy it too.
22. Popsicle Stick Lantern
Use popsicle sticks to make this easy and bright lantern. Perfect for kindergartners.
