Besides the Indian festivals Krishna Janmashtami (August 14) and Raksha Bandhan (August 26), August 15 is the anniversary of India’s Independence from Great Britain. Seems like the perfect month to escape to India and explore this intriguing land of mystery known for its spices and diversity.

Begin with the title. How about…

• Spicing Up August in India
• Visiting India in August
• Escape to India in August
• A Passage to India in August
• A Vibrant August in India
• Adventuring to India in August

Design a special sign.

Here are two signs to help you advertise all of your theme-related activities this month. Open one of the files, type in your information, and print.

Select an image or create a mascot to illustrate your theme. In this case, an image of a painted elephant, snake charmer, or the Taj Mahal would be good. Add the image to signs and special announcements to highlight the theme.

Note: Click on the images on this page for a larger version to download. If you are not sure how to download images, check here.

Build your month around the theme.

Begin by visiting our Decorating page, where you will find special bulletin board borders and suggestions for decorating your board.

You will also find an Elephant Ride Centerpiece and ideas for setting up a special display on the Decorating page this month.

Use the special theme calendar on the Calendars page to make your calendars this month.

Finally, visit the following pages for theme-based programs:

• Art – There are lots of India-related possibilities this month, including:
• Draw/Color an Elephant
• Lend-a-Hand Community Art based on henna body art
• Stand-Up Peacock (the national bird of India)
• Not to mention several sets of coloring pages
• Bingo – Play a game of INDIA Bingo.
• Crafts – Wrapped Bangles, Toran Door Décor, Kumkum Box, and Origami Lotus Flower are all crafts related to India.

• Grab Bag – Check out “It’s Charming; Snake Charming in India.” Learn about the popular tradition of snake charming
• Foods & Cooking – Enjoy the Food for Thought program “Curry: The Spice of India.”
• Music – Learn about the sitar.
• Games – Play a game of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Also, enjoy Play of the Jewels and other games popular in India.

• Parties – Plan a Taste of India Party
• Puzzles – Enjoy a variety of theme-related puzzles.
• Travelogue – Take a trip to Mumbai with Nell and Truman.
• Trivia – India Theme Trivia
• What Am I? – I am cricket, the most popular sport of India. Also, I am the elephant.
• Movies & Stars – Check out the Bonus List of Indian films.

In Addition

• Feature famous people from India, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Mother Teresa.
• Learn how to introduce yourself in Hindi.
• Plan a Bollywood film festival.
• Try doing some Bollywood Scarf Dancing.
• Discuss why cows are sacred in India.

Select Another Theme

Note: You can use all of the activities from our robot theme even if you decide on another overall monthly theme.

To develop your own monthly theme or mini-theme, check out the Monthly Events and Special Days pages.

We hope your August programs will be as diverse and vibrant as the Indian culture.