Strong values shape strong children. Honesty, kindness, sharing, courage — the stories your Naani told you, told again to your child in her warm Hindi, with pictures, and a question she waits for the answer to.
बच्चों की कहानियाँ — नानी की आवाज़ में, हर रात एक सीख
For a thousand years Indian children learned honesty from a butter pot, courage from a monkey who carried a mountain, patience from a crow and a pitcher — on a grandmother’s lap, in her voice, with no lecture anywhere. Naani keeps that tradition alive: one story a night, one seekh your child can repeat, then good night.
81 stories live in the Naani app today, with new pages added every day. Tap the play button for 30 seconds of her real voice; open a story for what happens, the value it teaches and the questions to ask.
Self-belief“तुम पवनपुत्र हो— पवन जैसा बल, वैसी ही बुद्धि! कौन काम है जो तुम न कर सको?”
"You are the son of the wind, with the wind's strength and the same wisdom! What task is there that you cannot do?"
Courageक्या यहाँ कोई ऐसा बहादुर है, जो सच के लिए अपना सब कुछ दे सकता है?
Is there anyone here brave enough to give everything for the truth?
Kindnessकल ही बाज़ार से उसके लिए नए जूते आए थे। काले, चमकीले, एकदम उसके नाप के।
Only yesterday new shoes had come for him from the market. Black, shiny, exactly his size.
Courageबीज — यानी वो नन्हा सा दाना, जिसके अंदर एक पूरा पेड़ सोया रहता है।
A seed — that tiny grain inside which a whole tree lies sleeping.
Self-beliefपर रोबू के मन में एक बात बैठ गई थी — मैं मशीन हूँ। मुझसे कभी ग़लती नहीं होनी चाहिए।
But one thought had settled in Robu's mind — I am a machine. I must never make a mistake.
Teamworkउस खेत में सौ बटेरों का परिवार रहता था। उनका एक सरदार था — सबसे बूढ़ा और सबसे समझदार बटेर।
In that field lived a family of a hundred quails. They had a leader — the oldest and wisest quail of all.
Resilienceसोनू की नानी ने उसे एक ख़ास तकिया दिया था — सफ़ेद, फूला हुआ, और थोड़ा सा जादुई।
Sonu's naani had given him a special pillow — white, fluffy, and a little bit magical.
Resilienceगाँव में किसी ने ऊपर देखकर पूछा ही नहीं — अरे, चाँद कहाँ गया? कोई नहीं। एक भी नहीं। चाँद सोचने लगा…
Nobody in the village looked up and asked — hey, where did the moon go? Nobody. Not one. The moon began to think…
Angerमाँ उसे घर ले आईं, दूध पिलाया, और तब से मोती घर का ही हो गया।
Mother brought him home, fed him milk, and from then on Moti belonged to the house.
Kindnessउन्हीं सबके बीच था छुटकू — सबसे छोटा बादल। इतना छोटा कि रुई के गोले जैसा लगता था।
Among them all was Chhutku — the smallest cloud. So small he looked like a ball of cotton wool.
Friendshipजाओ, आज नए दोस्त बनाना। मीरा मुस्कुराई तो, पर अंदर ही अंदर उसका दिल धक-धक कर रहा था।
Go on, make new friends today. Mira smiled — but inside, her heart was going dhak-dhak.
Sharingकोई पराँठा लाता, कोई पोहा, कोई गुड़ की मीठी रोटी…
Someone would bring paratha, someone poha, someone sweet gur ki roti…
Patienceगोलू दूध पीता तो आधा गिलास उसकी कमीज़ पर गिर जाता। जूते पहनता तो उलटे पैर में।
When Golu drank his milk, half the glass landed on his shirt. When he put on shoes, they went on the wrong feet.
Self-beliefएक मटका बिल्कुल साबुत था — कहीं कोई निशान नहीं। और दूसरे मटके में एक पतली सी दरार थी।
One pot was perfectly whole — not a mark on it. And the other had a thin little crack.
Gratitudeपर उस शहर में एक अजीब सी बात थी… वहाँ कोई किसी से शुक्रिया नहीं कहता था।
But there was one strange thing about that city… nobody there ever said thank you to anyone.
Teamworkनेता — यानी जो सबसे आगे चलता है और सबका ध्यान रखता है।
A neta — someone who walks at the front and looks after everyone.
Teamworkहनुमान ने अंगूठी दोनों हाथों से ली— जैसे खज़ाना! राम ने सिर पर हाथ रखा।
Hanuman took the ring in both hands, like a treasure! Ram placed his hand on his head.
Friendshipफिर एक छोटी-सी आग जली। उसके सामने राम और सुग्रीव ने हाथ थामे— “आज से हम दोस्त!”
Then a small fire was lit. Before it, Ram and Sugriv clasped hands: "From today, we are friends!"
Faithराम ने प्यार से एक बेर उठाया। खाया। “बहुत मीठा है, माता!”
Ram lovingly picked up a berry and ate it. "It is so sweet, Mother!"
Courage“रुको, रावण! मेरे राम अभी आते हैं। मैं तुम्हारे साथ कहीं नहीं जाऊँगी!”
"Stop, Ravan! My Ram is coming. I will not go anywhere with you!"
Wisdomसोने जैसा चमकता तन, उस पर जड़े रंग-बिरंगे मणि! एक सोने का हिरण!
A body shining like gold, set with jewels of every colour! A golden deer!
Humilityऔर राम? अकेले खड़े रहे। धनुष तान लिया।
And Ram? He stood alone, and drew his bow.
Responsibilityभरत खड़े हो गए। “मुझे राजमुकुट नहीं चाहिए! मुझे मेरे राम भैया चाहिए!”
Bharat stood up. "I don't want the crown! I want my Ram bhaiya!"
Kindnessसीता मुस्कुराईं, “हम साथ होंगे, तो हिम्मत भी साथ होगी।”
Sita smiled. "If we are together, courage will be with us too."
Self-beliefराम ने पहले गुरु को प्रणाम किया।
First, Ram bowed to his guru.
Friendshipराम ने धनुष सँभाला। लक्ष्मण उनके पास आ खड़े हुए।
Ram steadied his bow. Lakshman came and stood beside him.
Courage“महाराज! मुझे आपकी सेना नहीं चाहिए। मुझे राम चाहिए!”
"Maharaj! I don't want your army. I want Ram!"
Gratitudeऔर जब दूध उफनकर बाहर आता है ना, तब सब मिलकर बोलते हैं — पोंगलो पोंगल।
And when the milk froths up and spills over, everyone says together — Pongalo Pongal.
Responsibilityपन्ना को वो अपने बेटे जैसा ही प्यारा था।
To Panna he was as dear as her own son.
Humilityउनके राज में कोई भूखा नहीं सोता था, कोई झूठ नहीं बोलता था,
In his kingdom nobody slept hungry, and nobody told a lie.
Teamworkसोचो ज़रा! चींटी से भी छोटा हो जाना! पहाड़ जितना बड़ा हो जाना!
Just think! Becoming smaller than an ant! Becoming as big as a mountain!
Kindnessदुबला हो गया… कमज़ोर हो गया… पर गया नहीं।
He grew thin… he grew weak… but he did not leave.
Self-beliefबाक़ी जुगनुओं की बत्तियाँ बड़ी और चमकीली थीं, पर नन्हू की रोशनी बस राई के दाने जितनी।
The other fireflies' lamps were big and bright, but Nanhu's light was only the size of a mustard seed.
Resilienceऊँचे पेड़, घनी छाया, और पास ही यमुना — यानी एक बड़ी, साफ़ पानी वाली नदी।
Tall trees, deep shade, and the Yamuna close by — a big river of clear water.
Courageबाहर झींगुर बोल रहे थे, और कमरे में बस एक छोटा सा दिया जल रहा था।
Outside the crickets were singing, and in the room a single small lamp was burning.
Courageराजा की आवाज़ भारी पत्थरों के टकराने जैसी थी, पर प्रह्लाद की आवाज़ बहुत कोमल थी।
The king's voice was like heavy stones clashing, but Prahlad's voice was very gentle.
Sharingआमिर ने मन ही मन सोचा, कल ईदी मिलेगी… तो मैं यही घोड़ा लूँगा।
Amir thought to himself: tomorrow I get Eidi… and then I will buy this very horse.
Resilienceएक बहुत प्यारे गुरु थे, जिनका नाम था ईसा।
There was a very dear teacher, and his name was Isa.
Self-beliefक्या उसकी नन्हीं सी रोशनी किसी को दिखाई भी देगी?
Would anyone even see his tiny little light?
Humilityसबने अपना-अपना खाना बीच में रख दिया — लड्डू, माखन, रोटी — ताकि सब बाँटकर खाएँ।
Everyone put their food in the middle — laddoo, makhan, roti — so that all could share.
Courageअगर एक बीज से इतना सारा गेहूँ उग सकता है… तो क्या-क्या उग सकता है?
If one seed can grow all that wheat… what else could grow?
Kindnessऔर उस जंगल की एक प्यारी रीत थी: पूर्णिमा की रात अगर कोई भूखा मेहमान आ जाए, तो उसे अपना खाना ज़रूर खिलाओ।
And that forest had a lovely custom: if a hungry guest arrives on the full-moon night, you must share your food.
Eldersवहीं यशोदा मैया अपने छोटे से बेटे कृष्ण के साथ रहती थीं।
There lived Yashoda Maiya with her little son Krishna.
Friendshipजहाँ प्रताप, वहाँ चेतक — दोनों हमेशा साथ।
Wherever Pratap was, Chetak was — the two were always together.
Self-beliefबहुत दूर, बादलों से भी ऊपर, एक ऊँचा बर्फ़ वाला पहाड़ है — कैलाश।
Far, far away, above even the clouds, there is a high snowy mountain — Kailash.
Kindnessएक छोटी सी चींटी रहती थी। इतनी छोटी, कि तुम्हारे नाखून पर आराम से बैठ जाए।
There lived a tiny ant — so tiny she could sit comfortably on your fingernail.
Angerजब भी इस घर में कोई किसी को दुख देने वाली कड़वी बात बोलता है ना, इस मर्तबान में अपने आप एक कंकड़ आ जाता है।
Whenever someone in this house says a bitter word that hurts another, a pebble appears in this jar by itself.
Patienceअम्मा हँसकर कहतीं, जिसके पास थोड़ा है, वह भी बाँट सकता है।
Amma would say with a laugh: whoever has a little can still share.
Kindnessटोकरी भारी थी, पाँव थके हुए। अम्मा धीरे से सोच रही थीं — आज कुछ नहीं बिका,
The basket was heavy, her feet tired. Amma was quietly thinking — nothing sold today…
Courageकिले के अंदर सब बच्चे सो चुके थे। बस एक रानी जाग रही थीं।
Inside the fort every child was asleep. Only the queen was awake.
Faithकंस बहुत ताकतवर था, पर उसके दिल में डर था।
Kansa was very powerful, but there was fear in his heart.
Honestyनानी माँ अपनी तीनों छलनियों को बड़े जतन से रखती थीं।
Naani Maa looked after her three sieves with great care.
Courageपर आरव का पेट अंदर से अजीब हो रहा था… जैसे पेट में नन्ही तितलियाँ उड़ रही हों।
But Aarav's tummy felt strange inside… as if tiny butterflies were flying about in it.
Kindnessराजा होकर भी वो हमेशा पहले दूसरों की सोचता था, अपनी सबसे बाद में।
Even as king, he always thought of others first — and of himself last of all.
Friendshipदोनों बचपन में साथ खेले थे, साथ पढ़े थे, एक ही थाली से खाया करते थे।
As children they had played together, studied together, eaten from the same thali.
Patienceपर वहाँ जाकर पता चला कि बादशाह के आदमी उन्हें घर वापस नहीं जाने देंगे।
But once there, they learned that the emperor's men would not let them go home.
Teamworkतीनों थे तो बड़े प्यारे, पर एक बात थी… तीनों में दिन भर झगड़ा चलता रहता।
All three were lovely children, but there was one thing — they quarrelled all day long.
Faithकान्हा — छोटा-सा शरारती बच्चा, बड़ी-बड़ी आँखें, और सिर पर मोर का पंख।
Kanha — a small, mischievous child, big round eyes, and a peacock feather on his head.
Teamworkचारों बिलकुल अलग-अलग थे, हूँ ना?
All four were completely different from each other, weren't they?
Honestyउसके पास एक ही चीज़ थी जो उसे सबसे प्यारी थी — उसकी लोहे की कुल्हाड़ी।
He had just one thing he loved above all — his iron axe.
Wisdomमाधव काका टोपियाँ बेचते थे — लाल, पीली, हरी, नीली — तरह-तरह की टोपियाँ।
Madhav Kaka sold caps — red, yellow, green, blue — caps of every kind.
Wisdomहमारा कछुआ बड़ा बातूनी था — सुबह से शाम तक बोलता ही रहता।
Our tortoise was a great talker — he chattered from morning till night.
Courageउसी की घास गायें खाती थीं, उसी के झरनों का मीठा पानी पीती थीं।
The cows ate its grass and drank the sweet water of its streams.
Wisdomऔर दिल के इतने सच्चे कि जो उनका दोस्त बन जाए, उसके लिए कुछ भी कर दें।
And a heart so true that he would do anything for anyone who became his friend.
Kindnessउनका दिल तो इतना बड़ा था कि उसमें सबके लिए जगह थी।
His heart was so big that there was room in it for everyone.
Wisdomचीकू छोटा-सा था, पर हर चीज़ को ध्यान से देखता और सोचता।
Chiku was small, but he looked at everything carefully and thought about it.
Wisdomऔर… धप्प! वहाँ खड़ा था एक और रक्तबीज! बिल्कुल उसी जैसा!
And… dhapp! There stood another Raktabeej! Exactly like him!
Faithपर उनकी एक इच्छा अब तक अधूरी थी— “माँ… मेरे घर मेरी बेटी बनकर आओ।”
But one wish was still unanswered: "Maa… come to my home as my daughter."
Sharingऔर वहीं… वो चिंगारी बन गई— एक नन्हा-सा, चमकता हुआ बच्चा!
And right there… the spark became a tiny, glowing baby!
Kindnessउसके रहने से उस कोने का पानी काला और कड़वा हो गया था।
Because he lived there, the water in that corner had turned black and bitter.
Gratitudeकर्ण बोले— “मुझे सोना नहीं चाहिए… मुझे खाना चाहिए!”
Karna said, "I don't want gold… I want food!"
Kindnessदेवी ने न कोई हथियार उठाया… न ज़ोर लगाया… बस… हल्के से मुस्कुरा दिया।
The Devi lifted no weapon… used no force… she simply smiled, gently.
Courageरानी मेना खुश होकर बोलीं— “यही हैं दूल्हा?” नारद मुनि मुस्कुराए— “नहीं!”
Rani Mena asked happily, "Is this the groom?" Narada Muni smiled: "No!"
Resilience“आप शिव जी को सिर्फ बाहर से देख रहे हैं। मैं जानती हूँ, वो कैसे हैं।
"You see Shiv ji only from the outside. I know what he is truly like."
Anger“शैल” यानी पहाड़… और “पुत्री” यानी बेटी। यानी — पहाड़ की बेटी, शैलपुत्री!
'Shail' means mountain and 'putri' means daughter — the daughter of the mountain, Shailputri!
Wisdomउसका गला एकदम सूख गया था। उसे बस एक ही चीज़ चाहिए थी — थोड़ा-सा पानी।
His throat was completely dry. He wanted just one thing — a little water.
Honestyपर चंदरू का पेट ख़ाली था। सुबह से उसे कुछ खाने को नहीं मिला था।
But Chandru's stomach was empty. He had found nothing to eat since morning.
Courageउसे अपने पेड़ से बहुत प्यार था — यह उसका घर था, और घर में सब अच्छा लगता है।
He loved his tree very much — it was his home, and at home everything feels good.
Honestyऔर उस घर में एक नन्हा सा बच्चा था, जिसे माखन दुनिया में सबसे ज़्यादा पसंद था — कृष्ण।
And in that house lived a tiny boy who loved butter more than anything in the world — Krishna.
Humilityवे थोड़े उदास थे, पर उन्होंने हार नहीं मानी।
They were a little sad, but they did not give up.
Faithरामा ने दुखी होने के बजाय मुस्कुरा कर अपने पिता की बात मान ली।
Instead of being sad, Ram smiled and accepted his father's word.
Each one opens in the Naani app on its night; its page here shows what it teaches and a hint of what happens. Follow all 19 episodes on the Ramayana stories page.
Mon 2 NovHanuman finds Sita in the Ashok Vatika, told so your child learns that a small token of love can give someone great hope.
Tue 3 NovThe vanaras build a bridge across the sea to Lanka, told so your child learns that no help is too small, and every bit of help, big or small, builds the bridge together.
Wed 4 NovAngad stands firm in Ravan's court and Kumbhakarna tells his brother the truth, told so your child learns that the greatest courage is not showing strength, but saying what is true, with love.
Thu 5 NovLakshman is struck down and only one herb, before sunrise, can save him, told so your child learns that when you cannot find the answer, you don't give up: you find another way.
Fri 6 NovThe hardest battle of the Ramayana, told gently, so your child learns that true love never gives up: it crosses the sea and brings its own home.
Sat 7 NovBharat has kept Ram's sandals for fourteen years, and only one day is left, told so your child learns that remembering the people we love, and waiting for them, is itself a way of showing love.
Sun 8 NovThe grand finale of Naani's Ramayan: Ram comes home after fourteen years, told so your child learns to say thank you to everyone who helps, and to step forward when someone needs help.
A few of the public reviews parents have left on Google Play and the App Store, quoted exactly as they wrote them.
“Great stories and really interactive. My kid love it”
“an intellectual way to describe the old stories for kids .”
Nice“Really cute idea for bedtime! I love how Naani actually listens when kids interrupt and responds as part of the story. The mix of Hindi and English feels really natural, and the gentle lessons are a nice touch. Such a lovely way to wind down before sleep!”
“Maine to download kar liya hai aap sabhi log download karo aur yah story Apne bacchon Ko badon ko sunao bahut achcha lagega…”Panchatantra and Jataka, Krishna, festivals, moral tales, Indian heroes and original Naani tales — the same six shelves your child sees in the app. Each world has its own guide for parents once its stories are live.
Makhan Chor, Kaliya Naag, Govardhan — little Kanha's stories, where love and courage are taught by example.
10 stories · Read the guide →
Animal wisdom tales — clever rabbits, talkative tortoises, a blue jackal — each with a seekh a child can repeat.
10 stories · Read the guide →
Moral stories with a gentle seekh — honesty, sharing, patience, kindness, not wasting.
10 stories · Read the guide →
Why we light diyas, burn Ravan, play Holi — the story and the value behind every festival.
34 stories · Read the guide →
Shivaji, Rani Lakshmibai, Hanuman — courage, loyalty and doing the right thing, told gently.
7 stories · Read the guide →
Original Naani tales for the feelings of a small child — worries, anger, courage, saying thank you.
10 stories · Read the guide →Longer reads: the story behind a festival, which Krishna story to start with at four, how to make Hindi at bedtime a habit.
Stories by valueEvery Naani story grouped by the value it teaches — honesty, sharing, courage, kindness and more.Hindi bedtime storiesWhy Hindi at bedtime, how to make it a habit, and which story to start with.Indian bedtime storiesFor NRI and city families: keeping Indian stories, values and Hindi alive at bedtime.Krishna storiesMakhan Chor to Govardhan: what each Krishna story teaches and the order to tell them.Panchatantra storiesThe animal tales with a seekh: which to tell at four, five and seven, and why they still work.Festival storiesDiwali to Pongal: the story to tell the week before, and the value inside it.Indian heroesShivaji to Rani Lakshmibai: bravery stories without the battlefield, and the values inside them.Ramayana storiesNaani Ki Ramayan: the whole Ramayana as a bedtime series for 3–7-year-olds, one gentle episode a night, ending on Diwali.Navratri storiesA Navratri day-wise story for every night: the nine Devis, the value each one teaches, and how to tell them to a 3–7-year-old.Diwali storyRam's return to Ayodhya, the diyas, and how to tell it to a 4–7-year-old.Dussehra storyRam and Ravan for a 4–7-year-old: humility, courage, friends — and why the effigy burns.Guru Nanak storySachcha Sauda for a 4–7-year-old: kindness over profit, and how to tell it before Gurpurab.Start from the value, not the plot — a sharing story after a fight over a toy, a courage story before the first day of school.
Every story is written, checked and recorded before a child hears it. Naani tells it in simple Hindi, shows the pictures, and turns to your child with a real question from the story — then replies to what they say, by name. One story, one value, then good night.
Mid-story Naani asks a question, waits for your child’s answer and replies to it by name. Your child can stop her and ask, too.
Every story is illustrated; the picture changes as she speaks, like a storybook turning its own pages.
Panchatantra, little Krishna, the festivals, the brave hearts — every story ends on one value a child can repeat.
Nothing autoplays after the story. Naani says good night and means it.
At four, a child needs one clear picture and nothing frightening: a boy who wants butter, a crow who wants water, a small cloud who wants to rain. Pick the shortest stories on this page and let the same one be asked for night after night — a four-year-old who demands Makhan Chor for the fifth time is learning it by heart, which is the point.
At five and six, a child can hold a turn in the plot and loves a question they can answer out loud: will the ladder hold, will the jackal be found out, can one tiny diya really light a road home. This is the age at which Naani’s pause — she asks, waits, and replies to what your child says — does the most work, because the answer is theirs.
At seven, bring in the heroes and the longer Panchatantra tales, where the value is courage with a cool head and the conversation afterwards can go somewhere. Every story page here tells you the listen time, the value it carries, when to pick it, and three questions to ask on the way to school the next morning.
None of these stories ends with a rule. The child is on Krishna’s side when the butter is found, on the woodcutter’s side when the golden axe is offered, and feels the relief of honesty as their own — that is how a seekh lasts. Naani tells each one in simple, warm Hindi so that the words for the value (sach, himmat, daya, dhairya) arrive with the feeling attached, even in a home where the child answers in English.
Longer guides for parents: Stories by value, Hindi bedtime stories, Indian bedtime stories, Krishna stories, Panchatantra stories, Festival stories, Indian heroes, Ramayana stories, Navratri stories, Diwali story, Dussehra story, Guru Nanak story.
Every story on this page is in the Naani app for Android and iPhone. Free stories every night; Naani Monthly unlocks everything.
Listen tonight — free