Diwali utsav illuminates this school

One of India’s most cherished festivals — Diwali —is a symbol of hope and positivity, marking the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. To showcase the same the pre-primary wing of Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector 15, hosted a vibrant and joyous Diwali Utsav on October 29, 2024, capturing the essence of the Festival of Lights through a thoughtfully and beautifully organised celebration.

The entire school campus was alive with rangolis made from flowers, pots, and colours that enhanced the festive spirit setting a cheerful tone for the day by providing a stunning visual backdrop. All the attendees were greeted with the traditional tilak.

A warm welcome was extended to the attendees with festive wishes and enthusiasm. The programme began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by the Principal, Ms Snehalata Krishnan, and the Pre-Primary In-charge, Ms Gunjan Sharma.

Taking the stage, Ms Krishnan gave a warm welcome to all those in attendance – the parents and the grandparents. “Today holds a special charm, as we are here to celebrate with our youngest students, who bring us back to cherished memories and values that have been close to our hearts for generations. We have all grown up hearing timeless stories, The Ramayan, inspired by those who embody ideals that have guided us. Today’s presentation by our pre-primary children is a heartfelt attempt to rekindle those precious memories. The reason for this celebration is simple: some values remain universal, no matter the era we live in,” she opined.

Keeping dharm — or the path of righteousness — alive is another important lesson from The Ramayan. “We often speak of honesty, integrity, and having good character, and while expecting these qualities from others is easy, embodying them ourselves can sometimes be challenging. Life may tempt us to bend our values or make excuses, but the truth is, those moments demand our strength and commitment to our principles. The Ramayan teaches us that even if the immediate results seem unfavourable, the long-term rewards of righteousness are sweet and fulfilling,” Ms Krishnan shared and invited everyone to enjoy a charming performance.

The Epic Comes Alive

This epic, The Ramayan, was lovingly crafted by talented young stars. Their hard work and dedication were palpable on the stage as they breathed life into this beautiful performance. Filled with bright colours, heartfelt moments, and spirited performances, the event brought together students, parents, and teachers, building a community experience that resonated with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. 

Adorned in traditional costumes, the young performers delivered their roles with enthusiasm, captivating the audience with their innocence and energy. This retelling of the classic tale offered a glimpse into the cultural significance of Diwali, connecting the festival’s values to the children and their families.

The presentation was an inspiring reflection of the festive spirit, reminding everyone of Diwali’s message of hope, unity, and renewal. The drama was infused with moral values that are still relevant today.

Diwali aarti and pledge

The celebration continued with the recitation of the Diwali aarti, led by the young students, as they sought the blessings of the almighty. This spiritual touch added depth to the event, reinforcing Diwali’s importance as a time of gratitude and introspection.

Following the aarti, Vihaana of class I took to the stage to deliver a Vote of Thanks, expressing appreciation for all who had contributed to making Diwali Utsav a heartwarming success.

This year, the Central Vigilance Commission is celebrating Vigilance Awareness Week from October 28, 2024, to November 3, 2024. For the same, all the attendees took a pledge of integrity. Every year, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The school along with parents, teachers, and staff took a pledge to persevere in the unity, integrity and security of the nation.

Safe and cracker-free Diwali message

To add an element of fun, a balloon-bursting activity was organised, filling the air with laughter and joy. Beyond the fun, this activity also shared an important message: To celebrate a safe and eco-friendly Diwali.

Speaking about the event, a parent shared, “This celebration was amazing; it was organised in such a way that everyone present enjoyed it from the word go. For the last week, my daughter had been rehearsing at home but to see her on the stage and perform was so exciting. The school and the teachers are brilliant and always there to support us.”

Another parent, whose son played the role of Ravan said that while his son was not happy playing this character, said: “It was beautiful how well the event was organised. The efforts of the teachers were visible on the stage as the tiny tots seamlessly performed.”

A mother, whose son played King Dashrath, was also full of praise for the performance by the toddlers and gave all the credit to the teachers and the school.

“This was the first time we saw our child perform on the stage; it left us with such a great feeling. It is not just the support staff but the school has excellent teachers. We are happy we enrolled our child here,” a mother added.

The Diwali Utsav at Apeejay School, Faridabad, was more than just a celebration — it was a heartwarming experience that left both young and old with cherished memories. The glow of the festival lingered in the smiles and festive spirit shared by all who attended.