What’s the book about?
Born and brought up in the USA, Natasha and Nikhil, embark on an exciting journey of discovery when their parents decide to relocate to India.Initially reluctant and unsure of this move the year spent in India soon becomes a vibrant exploration of Indian culture.Nikhil and Natasha along with their dog Bruno celebrate a wide array of festivals and learn about their significance. Throughout their time in India, they not only immerse themselves in the festivities but also document their experiences through blogs and journals. In doing so, they acquire valuable life lessons, such as community living, kindness, empathy, friendship, and even cooking.
‘Festival Stories through The Year’ by Rachna Chhabria takes young readers on a journey through India’s festival calendar, beginning with Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti in January and concluding with Christmas in December. As Natasha and Nikhil celebrate alongside their grandparents, neighbors, friends, and family, they delve into the meaning and traditions behind each festival. While the story centers around festivities, the author skillfully weaves in themes like sharing, the effects of bullying, and the rationale behind traditional practices, enriching the narrative.
An Introduction to Indian festivals and their origins
The book ‘Festival Stories through The Year’ serves as a fantastic introduction to Indian festivals for children, offering relatable experiences through the eyes of Natasha and Nikhil. Written in a simple and engaging style, it is easy for children to connect with and enjoy. Featuring 32 festivals, the book brings each celebration to life with fun stories about customs, food, and rituals. The concept of Natasha and Nikhil maintaining a written account of their experiences is particularly noteworthy, encouraging young readers to start their own journals or blogs to record special moments.
Relevance of festivals today
Beyond festivals, the book opens up meaningful conversations about cultural diversity, community bonding, and mutual support. It not only fosters an appreciation for the richness of various religious and cultural practices but also emphasizes the joy of living harmoniously as a community.
While middle-grade readers can comfortably read the book on their own, its accessible language also makes it suitable for younger children, as young as seven, to enjoy as a read-aloud. This delightful book serves as a comprehensive and entertaining guide to Indian festivals, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for introducing children to the beauty of India’s cultural heritage.
Book Specifications
Title – Festival Stories through the Year
Author -Rachna Chhabria
Language – English
Publisher –Harper Collins
Price – Rs 350/- for paperback , buy it for less on Amazon.in
Pages – 245
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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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