18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids

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18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids in 2022 – Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts, and more 
 
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna. This day is not just about offering prayers and fasting; it has some special activities associated with the celebrations.

Why is Janmashtami celebrated?

Janmashtami is a grand festival celebrated all over India to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami is the day Bal Krishna is worshipped or Krishna in his infant form is worshipped. A naughty baby who would exasperate his mother no end, Krishna has been a charmer since childhood and is known to win the hearts of everyone he meets.

When is Janmashtami in 2023?

Krishna Janmashtami 2023 began on Wed, 6 Sept, 2023 and ended on Thu, 7 Sept, 2023
Krishna Janmashtami for the year 2024 will be celebrated/ observed on Monday, August 26.

Why is Janmashtami celebrated for 2 days?

Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated eight days after Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls in the Hindu month of Sravana, which normally corresponds to August or September. Celebrations are spread over two days and are vibrant and passionate.

Here are some ways to help you celebrate this Krishna Janmashtami at home, in your society, or at school.

18 Creative Activities to Do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

The verses in the Bhagavad-Gita (The Hindu sacred book, narrated by Lord Vishnu) say, that whenever there will be a predominance of evil and a decline of religion, Vishnu will reincarnate to kill the evil and save the good.

The main significance of Janmashtami is to encourage goodwill and to discourage bad will.

1. Dress up like Radha or Krishna on Krishna Janmashtami

 To celebrate, Kids are usually dressed to resemble little Krishnas & little Radhas. I asked our readers to send in pics of their kids. Here are a few,
krishna costume for kids
  1. Picture sent by Sharada Dilip of her son taken in 2011
  2.  Aditeya Goyal, 6 yrs, Chandigarh
  3.  Vidya Lohih’s daughter dressed as Radha
  4.  Vani Balaraman’s son dressed as Krishna
 
 Don’t they look cute???
 

2. Make a Krishna Janmashtami Peacock Crown –Janmashtami Art & Craft Idea

While the Lord wears many ornaments, his constant accessory is a peacock feather in his hair. Have you ever wondered why Lord Krishna wears a peacock feather?

The story goes that Krishna played his flute and the peacocks were so mesmerized that with large tears of ecstasy, the king of peacocks dropped many divine feathers at Krishna’s feet. Krishna lovingly accepted the offering of the peacocks and picked up the feathers and to everybody’s joy, placed a few of them on his turban. Thus he came to wear the peacock feathers.

Click on the image to learn how to make this Paper Crown.

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

3. Decorate a Dahi handi ( Curd Pot) – Janmashtami decoration ideas at home

Lord Krishna, in his infant form, loved eating butter and would gather his friends to steal the butter from the handi. They would make small pyramids to reach the Dahi handi hung at greater heights and then enjoy eating the tasty butter made by their mother. This is the real story behind celebrating Dahi Handi, which depicts the mischievous acts of Lord Krishna.

Decorate a Mud pot with painted paper feathers.

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

4. Welcome Krishna with a Footstep Rangoli – Janmashtami decoration ideas at home

 Draw a Rangoli & make tiny Krishna footsteps leading to your house ..
18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
 
Typically we use rice flour & water mixture for this.. not too runny, not too thick. make the toe prints using fingertips.
It’s considered auspicious to have Krishna’s footsteps leading to your house and is said to bring lots of happiness.
Krishna Jayanthi
 
 

5. Create a Krishna village scene – Janmashtami decoration ideas at home

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
The word ‘jhanki’ means to look into the past. Hence, Janmashtami jhankis are arranged on the different themes relating to the past life of Lord Krishna, his childhood, boyhood, his raas leela and other incidents of his life.
 
The most important arrangement for the Janmashtami celebration is that of baby Krishna. Hence, special stress is given on jhankis showing scenes from Lord Krishna’s childhood. Besides, devotees also make beautiful ‘jhulans’ or cradles for the baby Bal Gopal.
 
Have kids set up their jhaankis (scenes from Krishna’s birth time)  – Use Clay, Colored Sand, Clay dolls, animals, etc to make your own unique scenes. Here are a few more ideas:
 
18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
 
A diorama that depicts the 4 scenes from Krishna’s Life – http://www.gnaana.com/blog/2012/08/a-very-krishna-birthday-party/
 
18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
Every year the farmers of Gokul used to Perform Pujas to please Lord Indra, the Rain God. But Krishna convinced the whole town to instead worship the mountain Govardhan which helped them care for their cattle and land.
 
People were convinced and didn’t offer any pujas to appease Lord Indra. This made Indra very angry and poured torrential rains on the town of Gokul, the whole village was drenched and flooded. Then lord Krishna lifted Govardan Parvat on the tip of his finger to protect his people and lovely animals. This Jhanki represents his strength and celestial powers – Anshu Priya with her Diorama
 

6. Host a Dahi Handi Indoors

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

During childhood, Lord Krishna would often steal butter that ‘Gopies’ would prepare. After this incident, Krishna was given the name – Makhan Chor. Tie a small earthen pot with buttermilk in the middle of the room. Get the kids blindfolded and have them break this miniature Dahi Handi. For minimum mess, you could also fill it up with sweets instead of buttermilk.

7. Decorate a bansuri / Flute

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

No Krishna costume is complete without a flute or bansuri. You can buy a decorated flute as part of the costume or get a plain one and decorate it using silver/ golden ribbons, Shiny Washi tape or gota and embellishments.

8. Create Peacock Feather Party favors

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

These feather pen favors can be created in your choice of colors to compliment your beautiful Krishashtami celebrations. Wrap a Satin Ribbon around a pen and stick a peacock feather at the end. 

9. Make a Beautiful Kolam Card – Janmashtami Art & Craft Idea

Colored paper, paints, and a frame – Kolam idea via  

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

10. Create a Krishna Jhula

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
A statue of baby Krishna is placed in a swing decorated with flowers and soft pillows with richly decorated cushions and women folk sing to him, offer him sweets, and pray to him on this day. You can create one at home. 
 

11. Visit your local ISKCON Temple

A visit to ISKCON temple, if they’re in your city must be on your list on Janmashtami. There are special celebrations, shows, and activities on this day in the temple that can truly invigorate your senses. The Chants, the songs, and special Pujas will make it a learning experience.

12. Aarti ki Thali Decoration for Janmashtami

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

Courtesy of Pooni Pranav

Buy glitter foam sheets in green, light blue, and dark blue colors. Cut them in peacock feather shape. Cut each sheet in three different sizes. Stick them together as shown in the image above.

 

13. Read some fun books on Krishna

FID %20Identity%20card%20fr%20Krishna
 
Arthi writes for SaffronTree
Anushka’s favorite story was this one, where lovable Krishna Bhagwan dons a teenage avatar yearning for his first plane journey but is stopped by an earnest security guard. Krishna’s aged devotee, tells Krishna the story of Anasuya and the Ashwini twins, and why Rishi Chavan made a rule that all gods should carry a flag with their symbol- sort of like the ancient form of an ID!!
 
 
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Vani Balram also sent us details about a fav book in their household ..
Amma, tell me about Krishna. She says it’s a great fun way to introduce Hindu mythology to little ones. Her son loves Vishnu.

He held the baby up over his head
Bravely stepped in the water, then had a shock
For suddenly, the Yamuna parted
Revealing a path on which he could walk

…..
Then from the river emerged a huge serpent
…..

She also loves page 2 of the book with its: Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati …
as it reminds her of Mahabharata TV serial .. mein samay hoon …

 
stories-of-krishna-5-in-1-400x400-imadffg84vzevkxy

I also love the series from Amar Chitra Katha

Stories of Krishna (5 in 1)

Author: Anant Pai
Publisher: Amar Chitra Katha (1997)
 
 

14. What can we eat on Krishna Janmashtami?

We have Sandhya Renukamba sending in a Gopal Kala recipe that’s specially made on Krishna Janmashtami

steps on how to make theKrishna Janmashtami gopal kala prasad - 18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

 How do you celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?? Let us know about all the special recipes & activities from your home .. I’d love to feature them here 🙂
 

15. Make Radha Krishna DIY Hand Puppets and Peacock Bookmark Craft 

Each kit contains the paper cutouts and the material required to complete the activity along with the instruction sheet to help the children. The children will enjoy making and can be used them for storytelling or fun.

The product range can be checked on http://hnischaygirls.blogspot.com 18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

Or make your own version of this kit like how Surabhi Bhasin (Instagram.com/storykingdom2021) did in her online class with her students.  Here is Adorable Tanay Ishaan holding his proud creation 

Krishna Crafts for Kids 3

 

I liked the idea so much that I quickly recorded a reel on how to make it. Check out the video on Instagram to make this Krishna Mask & Bookmark. 

Easy Krishna Paper Craft + Peacock Bookmark that's perfect for Krishna jayanti

make a Morpank Bookmark - Peacock Feather Bookmark for Krishna Jayanti . Kids can make this easily.

16. DOWNLOAD our eBook On Krishna

This book contains coloring pages, Krishna Shloka with meaning, and 2 stories.

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas
 

17. Paint Your Own Super-Cute Peg Dolls

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

I found these adorable Krishna & Radha on a Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleGopi/ . Do check out all the dolls.

18. Dabble in some Krishna Coloring Activities

Download Free Printable Baby Krishna coloring pages for kids of all ages. You can print or download them to color and offer them to your family and friends. The coloring pages will help your child to focus on details while being relaxed and comfortable.

18 Creative Activities to do on Krishna Janmashtami with Kids - Krishna Crown, Decorate Flute, Dahi Handi, Books, Coloring Pages, Jhula Crafts and more how to make Krishna mukut, janmashtami art and craft, janmaastmi drawing, janmashtami celebration ideas

 

The ways to celebrate Janmashtami with children are several, all of them rewarding. Bring magic home this year by going the extra mile and celebrating Krishna Janmashtami in a fun way with kids. Festivals are terrific in how they bring the family together. Plus, everyone’s doubly happy when the little Baal Gopal or Radha of the house is pleased!

 

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  1. Hey thank you so much Shruti for featuring my post…Gosh! I took this picture when I didn’t know how to handle a dslr camera 😉 but have updated it with some new images….thanks again..& Happy Krisna Janmashtami.

  2. Love the ideas Shruti. The pot and the crown… Lovely. Went and visited Priti’s breathtaking post too. Thanks for featuring such interesting stuff.

  3. Hi I would like to get in touch with the creator of Artycraftmom
    could you please email me.
    I love your work!

  4. Hi
    Nice concepts
    Very new ideas
    Which is useful in our next Janmashtami
    Thanks for posting this kind of ideas..so plz keep posting

  5. I have two kids 16 and 13 and realized that they did not know the krishna story or maybe I read it to them many years ago. Now with teh pandemic , we have a great opportunity to do this. We also celebrate Aavanni avittam, so the kids are now getting a chance to spend time with grandparents and learn some culture. I will post photos as we go along. Thank you for the wonderful post with so many activities.-Padma