Objective

To explain major festivals in a simple way using visuals.

Estimated time to create the model for types of festivals

40 to 60 minutes

Materials required for creating the model for types of festivals

• Cardboard or Thermocol – for base
• Chart papers (coloured)
• Fevicol or Glue gun 
• Scissors 
• Sketch pens, crayons, paints 
• Glitter papers or sparkle 
• Cotton – for snow/cloud effect
• Sticks (ice-cream sticks / straws / skewers) – for flagpoles, supports
• Santa Claus model (small size)

Preparation for activity:

Keep all materials ready in advance. Teachers can select in advance which festival should be taught in class.

Procedure

• For base preparation take a strong cardboard sheet or thermocol as the base.
• Divide it into 4 equal sections using markers or cardboard partitions.
• For background walls cut 4 cardboard sheets as vertical walls.
• Fix each wall upright on the base (with glue/tape support). These will act as the festival backgrounds.
• To label each section, write Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Independence Day on the top.
• Section 1: Diwali 
• For the background draw/print a house or temple decorated with diyas and rangoli.
• Draw diyas on the cardboard wall, painted yellow and orange.
• Make some paper crackers and paste on the ground. 
• Section 2: Eid 
• For the background draw/print a mosque with a crescent moon and stars.
• Paste small cutouts of people greeting, “Eid Mubarak.”
• For a more creative look make some paper minarets using rolled chart paper. Use silver glitter for stars and the moon.
• Section 3: Christmas 
• For the background draw/print a church with bells and snowflakes.
• Christmas tree (use green chart paper/ cone shaped thermocol with decorations).
• Place a small Santa Claus model. 
• Place some tiny gift boxes under the Christmas tree (made with small cardboard boxes wrapped in coloured paper).
• Section 4: Independence Day 
• For the background paste an image showing the Indian Flag.
• Make an Indian flag on paper. Cut and stick it using ice cream sticks. 
• Paste plastic toys/models of soldiers or school. 
• Use orange-white-green paper flowers to decorate.

Step by Step Pictures to create the model for festivals

Important Tips

1. Plan layout first, sketch on paper how each section (Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Independence Day) will look before starting.
2.  Keep size equal, make all 4 sections the same size for balance.
3.  Use partitions. Cardboard dividers will make each section look separate but still part of one theme.
4.  Use bright colors for festivals to look lively. Add glitter, shiny chart papers and lights if possible.
5.  3D elements – instead of only drawings, add clay diyas, cotton snow, paper trees, mini flags, etc. for a realistic effect.
6. Label clearly – write names of festivals on each section with neat headings.
7. For stability, stick heavy items with Fevicol/Fevigum or glue gun so they don’t fall during presentation.

Notes to the Teacher

Through this model, we wish to highlight the values of secularism, togetherness and patriotism, which are the true strengths of India. Each section of the model depicts the major features of the festival, while the central theme connects them under one message – Unity in Diversity.

Using the Learning Teaching Material

The teachers can make this activity show different types of festivals in India.  

Video: How to use Learning Teaching Material

Source and Attribution of images All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.

This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.