As we enter the new year, we are greeted by some of the most joyous and celebratory Indian festivals. Makar Sankranti and Pongal are not only closely linked with nature and outdoors, but also are super child-friendly.
These harvest festivals mark gratitude, renewal, and togetherness, making them ideal occasions to introduce young children to cultural values through stories, crafts, and hands-on activities. For preschoolers, festivals are best experienced not through long explanations and “lectures”, but through colourful visuals, simple stories, music, and creative play.
Activities such as kite-making for preschoolers and storytelling about harvest traditions help children understand why these festivals are celebrated, while also supporting early learning and fine motor development.
Here, we will explore Makar Sankranti activities for kids and the Pongal festival story for kids, with a special focus on easy crafts and age-appropriate explanations. Rooted deeply in Indian culture, these ideas are perfect for homes, preschools, and daycare settings looking to celebrate harvest festivals meaningfully. We also suggest Twinkl India and YouTube resources for easy reference.
Understanding Makar Sankranti and Pongal for Preschoolers
What Is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across many parts of India in mid-January. It marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara) and signifies longer days and the end of winter.
For children, it is often associated with:
- Kite flying
- Sesame sweets like tilgul and laddoos
- Bright skies and outdoor fun
Introducing Makar Sankranti activities for kids helps them connect these joyful elements to the idea of seasonal change and celebration.
What Is Pongal?
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu. It is a thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God, farmers, and nature. For preschoolers, Pongal is about:
- Colourful kolams
- Decorated pots
- Boiling rice and milk
- Saying “Thank you” to nature
A simple Pongal festival story for kids can beautifully convey these ideas without complexity.
Why Teach Harvest Festivals to Preschoolers?
Harvest festivals are especially suitable for early childhood learning because they:
- Are rooted in nature and daily life
- Encourage gratitude and sharing
- Offer rich sensory experiences
- Include music, food, and art
Through harvest festival crafts, children begin to understand where food comes from, appreciate farmers, and feel connected to their cultural roots.
Makar Sankranti Activities for Kids: Learning Through Play
Kite Making for Preschoolers: A Classic Sankranti Craft
Kites are the most iconic symbol of Makar Sankranti. While real kite flying may not be safe for preschoolers, kite making for preschoolers is a fantastic alternative.
Materials Needed:
- Coloured paper
- Glue stick
- Wool or ribbon
- Crayons or stickers
How to Make It:
- Cut a simple diamond shape from paper.
- Let children decorate it with crayons or stickers.
- Attach a short wool string at the bottom.
This craft focuses on creativity and safety while still capturing the festive spirit.
Learning Benefits:
- Fine motor skills
- Shape recognition
- Colour exploration
Reference resources:
- Twinkl India – Kite Craft Templates
- YouTube: “Kite-making craft for preschoolers Sankranti”
Tracing and Decorating Kites
For younger preschoolers, tracing activities are easier than cutting.
- Draw kite outlines on paper
- Let children colour and paste stickers
- Add cotton clouds or birds around the kite
This makes Makar Sankranti activities for kids accessible even for 3-year-olds.
Reference:
- Twinkl India tracing worksheets
- YouTube: “Sankranti kite craft toddlers”
Storytelling: Explaining Makar Sankranti to Kids
A simple story helps children emotionally connect with the festival.
A Simple Sankranti Story for Preschoolers
“Once upon a time, the Sun decided to shine brighter and longer to help farmers grow food. People became happy because the days were warmer and the fields were full. Children flew kites to thank the Sun and celebrate the beautiful sky.”
Such stories introduce:
- Nature awareness
- Gratitude
- Cultural meaning
Pairing storytelling with kite-making for preschoolers reinforces understanding.
Pongal Festival Story for Kids: Simple and Meaningful
Preschoolers love stories that involve food, animals, and routine activities.
A Simple Pongal Story
“In a small village, farmers worked hard to grow rice. When the harvest was ready, they cooked rice with milk in a big pot. When it overflowed, everyone cheered and said ‘Pongalo Pongal!’ They thanked the Sun, the cows, and the Earth for helping them.”
This Pongal festival story for kids introduces gratitude and respect for nature in a gentle way.
Pongal Crafts for Preschoolers
Pongal Pot Craft
Materials Needed:
- Paper bowl or cut-out pot shape
- Cotton balls
- Yellow and orange crayons
How to Make It:
- Colour the pot shape.
- Paste cotton on top to show boiling rice.
- Add decorative patterns.
This is one of the easiest harvest festival crafts and works well in group settings.
Reference:
- Twinkl India – Pongal crafts
- YouTube: “Pongal pot craft for preschool”
Kolam (Rangoli) Art for Kids
Kolams are a vital part of Pongal celebrations.
Preschool-Friendly Kolam Ideas:
- Dot stickers arranged in patterns
- Finger painting circles
- Crayon-drawn designs
Kolam art supports creativity while introducing children to traditional Indian art forms.
Reference:
- Twinkl India – Kolam worksheets
- YouTube: “Kolam drawing for kids Pongal”
Harvest Festival Crafts India: Combining Sankranti and Pongal
In multicultural classrooms and homes, combining both festivals promotes inclusivity.
Corn and Grain Collage
- Use drawings or paper cut-outs of grains
- Paste them into a basket or field picture
Sun Craft
- Paper plate sun with rays
- Colour and decorate
These crafts help children understand the shared theme of harvest and gratitude across festivals.
Music and Rhymes to Support Learning
Songs make festival learning memorable.
- Simple Sankranti rhymes about kites and the sun
- Pongal songs with repetitive lines
- Action songs about farming and planting
Music enhances language skills and cultural familiarity.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
When planning Makar Sankranti activities for kids or Pongal celebrations:
- Keep It Age-Appropriate: Avoid complex explanations. Focus on visuals and actions.
- Use Safe Materials: No sharp objects or real kite strings.
- Encourage Participation: Let children choose colours and designs.
- Celebrate Effort: Display their crafts proudly.
These practices make kite making for preschoolers and harvest festival crafts joyful rather than stressful.
Cultural Learning Through Festivals
Festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal teach children:
- Respect for nature
- Appreciation of food and farmers
- Joy in community celebration
These lessons align beautifully with early childhood values and Indian cultural traditions.
Celebrating Harvest Festivals with Little Learners
Makar Sankranti and Pongal offer rich opportunities to blend culture, creativity, and early learning. Through kite making for preschoolers, simple stories, and harvest festival crafts, children experience festivals in ways they can understand and enjoy.
A gentle Pongal festival story for kids or a colourful kite craft may seem minuscule, but these moments build cultural identity, curiosity, and gratitude. By celebrating harvest festivals thoughtfully, parents and educators help preschoolers grow not just in skills, but in values. Contact us to experience our festival celebrations.
