Learn More About Global Festivals Celebrated in September
September brings a vibrant tapestry of global celebrations! From the colorful Ganesh Chaturthi in India to the lantern-lit Mid-Autumn Festival across East Asia, cultures worldwide mark harvests and new beginnings. Mexico erupts in patriotic fervor for Independence Day, while Munich's Oktoberfest kicks off with overflowing steins. The autumnal equinox heralds pagan Mabon festivities, and Rosh Hashanah ushers in the Jewish New Year. Whether it's the solemn remembrance of 9/11 in the US or the joyous Onam harvest festival in Kerala, September unites the world in diverse traditions and shared humanity.
Onam (Sept. 6th-15th) - Kerala, India
Cultural Significance: Onam is a colorful harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, a beautiful state in southern India. The festival honors King Mahabali, a legendary ruler who people believe brings prosperity and happiness. During Onam, families and friends come together to have fun and share delicious meals. People create beautiful flower carpets called 'pookalams' on the ground, wear new clothes, and enjoy exciting games and boat races.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Kids can create a beautiful flower carpet (pookalam) using petals or colored paper. Dress up in traditional clothes like pavada or mundu. Help prepare a mock Onam feast (Onasadya) with play food or drawings.r, siblings can bake special treats or prepare a festive snack to share.
How to Greet: "Onam Ashamsakal!", "Onashamsakal"
Ganesh Chaturthi (Sept. 7th) - India
Cultural Significance: This is a fun and colorful festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, a beloved Hindu god with an elephant head! People believe Ganesha brings good luck and removes obstacles. During this festival, families and communities create beautiful clay statues of Ganesha and decorate them with bright colors and flowers. They offer Ganesha his favorite sweets, sing songs, and dance together.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Kids can join the Ganesh Chaturthi fun in many ways! Make a small Ganesha statue using clay or playdough and decorate it with colorful paints. Help prepare sweet treats like modak, Ganesha's favorite food. Draw pictures of Ganesha or color in Ganesha coloring pages.
How to Greet: "Ganpati Bappa Morya!", Ganeshotsav ki shubhkamnayein!"
Oktoberfest (Sept. 21st-October 6th) - Germany
Cultural Significance: Oktoberfest is a big, fun celebration that started over 200 years ago in Munich, Germany! It began as a party for a royal wedding and people loved it so much, they decided to keep having it every year. Today, Oktoberfest is like a giant fair that celebrates Bavarian culture. People dress up in traditional clothes called dirndls and lederhosen.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Kids can wear blue and white clothes or dress up in traditional Bavarian outfits. Help make pretzels or other German snacks at home. Learn some simple German words or phrases. Make paper accordion decorations in blue and white.
How to Greet: "Grüß Gott!", "Fröhliches Oktoberfest!"
Mabon - (Sept. 22nd) - Great Britain
Cultural Significance: Mabon is known as the autumn equinox and is a harvest festival celebrated by many people, especially those who follow nature-based spiritual paths.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Gratitude tree: Draw a tree and have kids write things they're thankful for on paper leaves to attach to it. Nature walk and collection: Take a walk outdoors to observe the changing season. Collect colorful leaves, acorns, or pinecones to make crafts.
How to Greet: "Happy Fall Equinox!", "Blessed Mabon!"
Travel around the world with Kaboo as we learn more about different cultural traditions and festivals celebrated in the month of September. Don’t forget to also check out the Kaboo cards celebrating these many occasions!
