Navratri and Dussehra books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Navratri and Dussehra? around Thursday 30 September 2027 to Saturday 9 October 2027. Dates marked “around” depend on the moon and local calendars.
Navratri ('nine nights') honours the Hindu goddess Durga in her different forms, with dancing, fasting and prayer. It ends with Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami), which celebrates good winning over evil: Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, and Durga's over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In Bengal the same days are celebrated as Durga Puja.
Who celebrates Navratri and Dussehra, and books for each
Hindu
Many families dance garba and dandiya in the evenings, wear a different colour each day, set up displays of dolls (golu) in South India, and on Dussehra burn huge effigies of Ravana. Twenty days later comes Diwali, when Rama returns home.
📖 Free guideAmma, Tell Me About Diwali!
Bhakti Mathur
retells the Ramayana story of Rama and Ravana that Dussehra celebrates
Questions, activities and a printable sheet →
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Navratri and Dussehra books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Navratri and Dussehra would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Navratri and Dussehra?
Ways to celebrate Navratri and Dussehra with children
- Put on music and learn a few simple garba steps in a circle.
- Pick a colour for each of the nine days and wear something that colour.
- Tell the story of Rama and Ravana and draw the ten heads of Ravana.
- Talk about a time your child chose the kind or brave thing.
Navratri and Dussehra picture books at a glance
All the Navratri and Dussehra books on this page: Amma, Tell Me About Diwali! (Bhakti Mathur).
Questions parents ask about Navratri and Dussehra
What is the difference between Navratri and Dussehra?
Navratri is the nine nights of worship and dancing; Dussehra is the tenth day, which celebrates the victory of good over evil.
How is Durga Puja different?
In Bengal and eastern India the same festival centres on Durga, with huge decorated statues in pandals, new clothes and family visits. The story is about Durga defeating Mahishasura.
Related festivals: Diwali · Ganesh Chaturthi · Holi
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.