Growing up doesn’t mean outgrowing our childhood fun, and content creators agree as they talk about the Children’s Day rituals they’d love to bring back.
Children’s Day was a big deal when we were kids especially since we had certain rituals we looked forward to. In my school, for example, older students would dress up as teachers for the day and take on their roles, from teaching classes to giving assignments. There was an added excitement to see how they’d pull it off, making the day feel extra special. I’m sure many of us remember those days, but that spark for Children's Day has somehow faded.
Schools still have their celebrations, and kids are having a good time, but it's not something that gets us excited anymore. Does growing up mean we have to leave the fun behind? We believe that Children’s Day should be a time for everyone to reconnect with their inner child and remember those simple joys. That is exactly why we asked content creators, Joy Mercy Michael, Mili Lakhmani, Vishwa Joshi, Bianca Arora, Ujjawal Kedia, Himani Gupta and Mahek Pundir about Children’s Day traditions they’d like to revive, and it turned into such a lively and nostalgic conversation. After all, maybe it’s the little rituals, like dressing up or doing something playful, that keep us feeling young at heart.
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Here is what they shared:
One of Joy Mercy Michael's favorite Children’s Day traditions growing up was the 'teachers as students' role reversal. Each year, teachers would step out of their usual roles and into the students' shoes, donning mismatched uniforms and taking seats at desks usually reserved for their students. A handful of senior students would then take over as teachers for the day, bringing the classroom to life with their hilarious imitations of their real-life counterparts. This role switch had everyone in stitches as the “student” teachers playfully scolded their “student” teachers for every little thing, giving a new meaning to “classroom antics.”
"The day typically ended with a talent show, where students and teachers could both unwind and show their talents in singing, dancing, or skits. These were moments where students and teachers bonded in a way that went beyond the everyday classroom dynamic. Looking back, it was these carefree moments, the joy of role reversals, and the freedom to see teachers in a more playful light that made Children’s Day feel truly special—a day just for them."
For Mili Lakhmani, Children’s Day holds a deeply personal memory, one centered around a teacher who was like family to her. Every year, Mili and her friends would visit this beloved teacher’s home, where they were welcomed with open arms. Together, they’d celebrate over plates of hot samosas, sweet pastries, and chips, laughing and sharing moments that felt truly special. "It was a ritual of joy and warmth, a simple gathering that made Children’s Day feel all the more meaningful."
One particular year, however, Mili’s teacher fell ill just before Children’s Day, leaving a gap in the celebration they had come to cherish. Determined to make her feel remembered, Mili and her friends decided to surprise her. They brought her favorite cake and treats, hoping to bring a bit of the celebration to her doorstep. "When she saw us at her door, the happiness in her eyes was unforgettable. Despite her illness, her joy lit up the room, a reflection of the kindness she had always shown them." That day remains one of Mili’s most cherished memories—a moment of gratitude and love that highlighted the profound bond shared with someone who was so much more than just a teacher.
"Children’s Day celebrations at school were some of the happiest moments of my childhood," says Vishwaa Joshi. The thrill of swapping their uniforms for colorful outfits felt like a treat to her, almost like celebrating a giant birthday with the whole school.
"We’d pour our hearts into preparing skits and dance performances, practicing for weeks to make each act memorable. Textbooks didn’t stand a chance that day—most of us didn’t even bother bringing them! Looking back, I realize it was a holiday not just for us, but for our teachers too. They got to sit back, watch us perform, cheer us on, and enjoy the fun. Children’s Day memories are some of the purest joys of my childhood," Vishwaa reflects warmly.
“One of my favorite Children’s Day traditions that I’d love to see return is playing games together. It might sound simple, but it was the best way to connect with everyone," says Mahek Pundir. She recalled the laughter, the friendly competition, and all the little strategies they’d come up with to win. Whether it was board games, hand games, or classic street games, each one taught them something—supporting each other, challenging ourselves, and celebrating victories and defeats together.
She added, "It wasn’t about who won; it was about those shared moments, the bonds we built, and the memories we made. It was pure, simple fun that connected us in a way that felt so alive. When did we stop playing games together?”
"Children’s Day was always the best part of my school years," says Bianca Arora. It was a day when their school turned into a stage, not for the students, but the teachers. The teachers used to put on fun performances with dance, music, and skits that left us all amazed. "We’d spend the day playing games, doing fun activities, and just being kids, with chocolates handed out as a special treat. At home, Mom would spoil me with my favorite food, and Dad would take us out for ice cream, making the day even sweeter. Looking back, it really was the perfect way to celebrate Children’s Day, and I'd love to relive it."
Himani Gupta remembers when older students would organize games and activities for the younger classes. It was such a fun way to bond across grades, and as a younger kid, they loved the attention and care from the seniors. "Some kids would even dress up like teachers, wearing sarees or suits and copying their mannerisms—it was hilarious! The day was filled with games we didn’t usually get to play during school hours, like sack races and musical chairs. Sometimes, teachers would join in and compete with us too! We’d finish the day with a treat of sweets and snacks that felt like a real feast. Those Children’s Day celebrations made me feel like part of a big family, and I’d love to see those traditions come back for the next generation."
Children's Day always brings back special memories for Ujjawal Kedia. "It used to be such a big day for us, and I would plan my outfit weeks in advance because it was the only day we could dress up at school." He recalled how the chocolates and gifts from teachers felt like a huge deal back then. "Even in the evening, my 'tution waali ma'am' would give us treats, and we’d have cake-cutting too. It felt like a festival just for us because getting gifts and dressing up wasn’t an everyday thing. These simple joys made the day unforgettable, though it seems like kids today don’t feel the same excitement."
What do you miss most about Children’s Day? Share your favorite memories in the comments below!
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