October 2nd is not just a date on the calendar; it is a day of emotion, pride, and reflection for millions. It marks Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man the world reveres as Mahatma Gandhi or simply “Bapu” (Father).
Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1869, Gandhi Ji was more than a freedom fighter; he was a visionary who taught the world that wars can be won without weapons. His tools were Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence).
As we approach this national holiday, schools and homes across India gear up to pay tribute. But how do we make the life of a man born over a century ago relevant to the digital generation? How do we move beyond history textbooks?
The answer lies in hands-on learning! We have curated a list of 20 engaging Gandhi Jayanti crafts, videos, and activities to help your children understand the essence of the Mahatma.
Part 1: Creative Gandhi Jayanti Crafts
Crafting is one of the best ways to improve fine motor skills while instilling cultural values. Here are some fun projects to try.
1. The Iconic “Charkha” (Spinning Wheel) with Popsicle Sticks
The Charkha was Gandhi’s symbol of self-reliance.
- What you need: Popsicle sticks, glue, thread, and a bottle cap.
- How to make it: Arrange popsicle sticks to form the base and the wheel spokes. Use a bottle cap as the center of the wheel. Thread white yarn through the wheel to mimic the spinning of cotton. This is a great STEM activity to explain how fabric was made manually!
2. The “Three Wise Monkeys” Paper Plate Craft
Gandhi Ji famously kept a statue of three monkeys who “See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil.”
- The Activity: Take three paper plates. Paint them brown. Draw monkey faces on them.
- Monkey 1: Glue paper hands covering the eyes.
- Monkey 2: Glue hands covering the ears.
- Monkey 3: Glue hands covering the mouth.
- The Lesson: Discuss with your kids why it is important to stay away from negativity and gossip.
3. DIY Wire Spectacles
Gandhi’s round-rimmed glasses are perhaps his most recognizable feature.
- The Craft: Use soft, golden, or silver pipe cleaners (chenille stems). Bend them into two circles and connect them with a small bridge. Add stems to go over the ears. Kids love wearing these for photos!
4. Step-by-Step Drawing of Bapu
Drawing a portrait can be intimidating, but breaking it down makes it easy.
- The Tutorial: Start with an oval for the head. Add the round glasses first—they anchor the face. Draw a “U” shape for the mustache and a gentle smile. Don’t forget the bald head and the drape of the shawl around the neck. You can use this art to decorate school bulletin boards.
5. Wooden Peg Doll Gandhi
This is a cute keepsake that can sit on a study desk.
- How to make it: Buy a plain wooden peg doll from a craft store. Paint the body white to represent the Dhoti and Shawl. Use a fine-tip black marker to draw the glasses and facial features. It serves as a gentle reminder of peace while doing homework.
6. The “Dandi March” Diorama
Recreate history with a shoebox!
- The Project: Paint the inside of a shoebox blue (sky) and the bottom yellow (sand). Use clay or cutout figures to represent Gandhi leading his followers. Use salt to create the “seashore” effect, teaching kids about the Salt Satyagraha of 1930.
7. Handprint Dove of Peace
Since October 2nd is also the International Day of Non-Violence, a peace craft is essential.
- The Craft: Trace your child’s hand on white paper. Cut it out. The thumb serves as the dove’s head, and the fingers are the spreading wings. Draw an olive branch in the beak.
8. Khadi Texture Art
Teach kids about Swadeshi (home-grown) goods.
- The Activity: Get scraps of Khadi or rough cotton fabric. Let children cut them into shapes and create a collage. Discuss how Gandhi encouraged Indians to weave their own clothes to become independent.
Part 2: Interactive Activities & Games
Learning happens best when it is interactive.
9. The Truth Journaling Experiment
Gandhi wrote a book called The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
- The Activity: Gift your child a small diary. Ask them to write down one instance per day where they told the truth, even when it was difficult. Review it after a week. It builds character and integrity.
10. Swachh Bharat (Cleanliness) Drive
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” Gandhi famously said.
- The Activity: Don’t just talk about it—do it! Organize a small cleanup drive in your garden, the local park, or just the child’s bedroom. Give them a “Cleanliness Warrior” badge upon completion.
11. Printable Gandhi Quotes Bookmarks
Inspire reading with wisdom.
- The Craft: Cut strips of cardstock. Write famous quotes like “Be the change you wish to see in the world” or “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Decorate with tassels. These make great gifts for classmates.
12. Virtual Tour of Sabarmati Ashram
Thanks to technology, you don’t have to be in Gujarat to visit Gandhi’s home. Many museums offer virtual tours online. Walk your children through his living quarters, showing them his simple lifestyle.
Part 3: Fancy Dress & Performance
Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, especially at Raj Ghat. You can recreate this atmosphere at home or school.
13. DIY Gandhi Costume
Participating in a fancy dress competition? You don’t need to rent a costume; you can make one!
- The Look: Gandhi’s style was minimalist.
- The Bald Look: Use a flesh-colored swim cap or a wig cap. Hide all the hair underneath.
- The Attire: A white Dhoti (or a white sheet draped cleverly) and a white shawl are all you need.
- The Props: A long wooden stick and round-rimmed glasses.
- The Quote: “The King has on enough for both of us!” (Gandhi’s witty reply when asked if he was underdressed to meet the King of England).
14. Sing “Vaishnava Jana To”
This was Bapu’s favorite bhajan (hymn). Written by Narsi Mehta, it defines a “Vaishnava” (a good human) as someone who feels the pain of others.
- Activity: Learn the lyrics together. It is a soulful melody that teaches empathy.
15. Chant “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram”
This hymn was sung during the Dandi March. It promotes religious unity with the line “Ishwar Allah Tero Naam” (Ishwar and Allah are both your names).
- Activity: Sit in a circle, clap to the rhythm, and chant this Dhun (tune). It creates a meditative and peaceful environment.
Part 4: Food Art & Culinary Fun
Celebrating through food is a language every child understands!
16. The “Gandhi Paratha” or Sandwich
Make breakfast patriotic!
- The Idea: Use a round paratha or a slice of bread as the canvas.
- Glasses: Slices of cucumber or carrot rings.
- Mustache: Thin strips of cucumber skin or bell pepper.
- Eyes: Black peppercorns or raisins.
- Ears: Slices of tomato.
- Mouth: A slice of capsicum.
- It is healthy, fun, and Instagram-worthy!
17. Tricolor Fruit Salad
Celebrate the nation Gandhi helped liberate.
- The Dish: Arrange layers of Kiwi (Green), Banana (White), and Orange/Papaya (Saffron) in a glass. It’s a healthy snack that represents the Indian flag.
Part 5: Books & Videos
18. Story Time: Recommended Reads
Reading about the freedom struggle can be gripping. Look for books like:
- I am Gandhi by Brad Meltzer (Great for younger kids).
- Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi.
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Abridged for teenagers).
19. Watch the Movie “Gandhi” (1982)
For older children, Richard Attenborough’s movie is a masterpiece. It visually depicts the struggle, the non-cooperation movement, and the sheer magnitude of Gandhi’s influence.
20. Quiz Night
End the day with a family quiz!
- Question: Where was Gandhi born? (Porbandar)
- Question: What tool did he use to make cloth? (Charkha)
- Question: What is the date of the International Day of Non-Violence? (Oct 2nd)
Conclusion
Gandhi Jayanti is more than just a holiday; it is a reminder of the power of simplicity, truth, and peace. By engaging your children in these 20 crafts and activities, you are not just keeping them busy; you are planting the seeds of these timeless values in their young minds
