A joyful story about Parikshet's first Durga Puja and the warm feeling of celebrating with family and friends.

The Story

The drums started early in the morning. Parikshet sat up in bed and listened. DHAK-DHAK, DHAK-DHAK. "It is Durga Puja day," he whispered with a huge smile.

He put on his new red kurta and ran downstairs. The whole house smelled of fresh flowers and sweet bhog. Mum was placing marigolds around a beautiful picture of Maa Durga.

"Today," said Dad, "we wish good things for everyone — friends, neighbours, and even people we do not know." Parikshet nodded seriously and folded his small hands.

At the pandal, the goddess looked grand and kind. Parikshet stood on his tiptoes to see. He clapped along with the drums and laughed when the dancers spun in bright sarees.

He shared sweets with his cousins, hugged his grandmother, and even waved to a little girl he had never met before. Everyone smiled back. Today, nobody was a stranger.

On the way home, Parikshet held his mother's hand and said, "Happy Durga Puja, Maa. Happy Durga Puja, everybody in the world."

🌟 The Moral

Festivals are most beautiful when we use them to share joy, food and good wishes with everyone around us.

What This Story Is About

  • Celebrating Indian culture
  • Spending time with family
  • Wishing well for everyone

💭 Talk About It

  1. What is your favourite festival and what do you do on that day?
  2. Why do you think people share sweets on festivals?
  3. How would you greet a stranger on a festival day?