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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Preeti our festivals and culture are something that attracts people across globe …. its vibrant, full of warmth and harmony. From your review I can very well make out that this book is treasure pot which I must read as I know I will enjoy it from the core. Thank you for this wonderful recommendation.
Thanks Samata , I expected it to be a boring childish book but it was well narrated with a lot of background about Indian festivals , all told in an engaging manner.
A wonderful book indeed, from the reading about it. Many of us do not know the significance of festivals. But for a civilisation spanning at least 4000 years, festivals must have some purpose and some meaning. Like Kumbh Mela, that happens every twelve years. But people come to take a dip in the ice cold water on the coldest time of winter season. Why? It is important we must know the significance of our festivals. These festivals kind of tells our story.
It is especially useful for our generation because the next generation poses so many questions about traditions and rituals concerning our festivals , for those of us who never questioned these, this may be a great learning experience.
This book sounds delightful. How new is the book? I’m asking since I was planning to write to the publisher for a review copy. The Amazon link did not work for me.
Aishwariya, this book was published on 8th April 2020 by Harper Collins India (children).Here is the link – https://www.amazon.in/Festival-Stories-Through-Rachna-Chhabria-ebook/dp/B086Q9TTD2
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/2603712281175493/
I wish I had recalled this book earlier. Someone recently asked me for recommendations for books on India for a teen in the US. It would have been the perfect gift. Anyways, another time.
Yes, it sure deserves a recommendation for its subject matter. I am glad you too think so.
This book sounds like a wonderful way to introduce kids to India’s rich cultural heritage through relatable stories.
Feels like a good book to introduce our kids to festivals, right? And, yes, I think its a great idea to make notes of such things for posterity. A crisp review.
This seems to be a great book! I’ve love to read it to see if the views about Indian festivals match what I know. Into my TBR.
oh this is a good find! There are so few books written about our festivals, especially in a language that youngsters would understand. this would make for a good gift.
oh this is a good find! There are so few books written about our festivals, especially in a language that youngsters would understand. this would make for a good gift… i am glad you shared about this book.
Sounds very interesting.
It’s becoming really common that NRIs are shifting back to India after decades. Loved the topic of this book and how you reviewed it.
This was one of my favourite books..I remember mentioning it in one of my blogposts. Nikhil and Natasha maintaining a journal to retain their happy memories is truly commendable
This book seems to be a delightful read for all kids and adults to recherish their culture and heritage. Thanks for the recommendation.
I’d like to pick this one up for my son.