Diwali Mela 2026: Where festivities turned into lessons in kindness

School melas are more than occasions for celebration. They offer students opportunities to learn important life lessons beyond textbooks, particularly the values of compassion, teamwork and social responsibility. By bringing parents, teachers and children together, these events strengthen the school community while encouraging students to contribute towards meaningful causes.

When festivities support initiatives like CRY and refugee welfare, students experience the importance of giving back first-hand. Such celebrations remind them that learning also involves understanding the needs of others and making a positive difference.

This spirit was evident at the Diwali Mela 2026 organised by Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, where colourful decorations, exciting games, cultural performances and food stalls created a lively festive atmosphere. Students, parents and teachers came together to celebrate the festival of lights while contributing to causes that extended beyond the school community.

And to kick-start the festivities, the celebrations began at the photo booth, where students, parents and teachers captured cheerful moments, setting the tone for an evening filled with laughter, excitement and togetherness.

The student hosts welcomed the gathering and reflected on Diwali’s message of hope, goodness and new beginnings. The Diwali Mela was graced by Mr Stephen James Tumpane, Principal-cum-Director, Research and Capability Development, Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal, and facilitators. Their presence reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing a strong sense of community while encouraging students to embrace cultural traditions, develop empathy and practise the values of compassion, service and social responsibility.

Speaking at the event, the Principal said, “One of the things that I love to remind people about being an IB learner is about important traits in the profile, and Diwali is nothing less. It reminds us to be inquirers and be reflective. This is about the victory of light. It’s an opportunity for personal introspection, reflecting on our own biases, assumptions, and personal growth over the coming academic year. It’s also about being caring and principled.

“The festival calls for empathy and ethical responsibility, extending support to those beyond our immediate circles. I’ve been lucky enough to celebrate festivals of lights in many different countries around the world, from Loy Krathong to lantern festivals to Hanukkah, illustrating how diverse cultures share an intrinsic need to gather, illuminate, and renew hope as the seasons turn.”

The charitable aspect of the mela reflected these values. The student hosts announced that proceeds from the event would support CRY, Child Rights and You, an organisation working towards children’s rights, education, healthcare and safe childhoods. A separate stall supporting refugees, organised as part of the school’s CAS initiative, encouraged visitors to contribute towards another humanitarian cause.

These initiatives helped the students to understand how collective participation and small contributions can support people beyond their immediate surroundings. The celebrations thus combined enjoyment with practical lessons in empathy and community service.

The cultural programme featured an engaging line-up of student performances. A rendition of Shivoham in Sanskrit by Himav Berlia set a devotional tone, followed by a bhajan. The bandperfromance by Shanaya, Pihu and Sanvee had everyone clapping. Rivan Berlia’s performance, along with an energetic flash mob dance, added to the festive excitement.

Neal and Vivaan from MYP 3 performed on the guitar, while Aryan from DP 1 presented a drum performance. Aditi from MYP 5 showcased her guitar skills, and Sia Arora from MYP 3 and her band entertained the gathering with a musical presentation. A storytelling session based on The Frog and the Princess added variety to the programme.

Beyond the stage, activity stalls attracted enthusiastic participation. Games such as Tyre Football, Nerf Gun Attack, Ring Toss and Cup Pong encouraged friendly competition. Tote Bag Painting offered a creative experience, while the inflatable play area added to the excitement. The inflatable bouncy castle was a major attraction, adding an extra dose of excitement and fun for the younger children.

Tambola brought parents into the celebrations, while Musical Chairs added excitement and encouraged enthusiastic participation. Another highlight was the Rangoli Puzzle Competition, which saw 12 participants, including parents, divided into three teams of four members each.

The challenge required each team to assemble a rangoli jigsaw puzzle using individual pieces placed on the ground. The activity tested their creativity, patience, teamwork and problem-solving skills as participants collaborated to complete their rangoli, with the parents emerging as the winners.

The food stalls were another major attraction, offering a delicious spread of popular Indian street food. From tangy gol gappe and crispy papri chaat to piping hot aloo tikki and chole bhature, there was something to satisfy every craving. Kulfi added a sweet touch to the festivities, making the food stalls a favourite gathering spot for students, parents and teachers alike.

A gift stall also drew visitors, offering an opportunity to browse and shop for festive goodies. Together, the stalls added to the lively atmosphere, with students, parents and teachers enjoying the celebrations.

For parents, the evening provided an opportunity to see their children enjoying themselves beyond the classroom.

Mr Gautam, whose daughter studies in MYP 3, particularly appreciated the relaxed atmosphere. “People are just moving around, like kids are just playing around. That’s the best part. We just want them to be like this. No rules here. They’re just on their own. That’s the best part,” he shared.

Another parent, Mr Sushil Sharma, whose son studies in DP 1, appreciated the cultural experiences and opportunities for family interaction. “It’s good. They get to know about the culture. They get together, they have fun. It’s a light time for the families. They get together. So it’s good, actually,” he said.

The cultural performances particularly impressed him. “I liked the dance, the cultural activities, like the guy who sang the song. It was the first time I heard him. He’s very good, actually,” he shared and added that the mela also offered students an opportunity to express themselves. “You actually showcase who you are. That’s the good part,” he observed.

Ms Diana, whose children are in PYP 1 and PYP 2, shared, “This is our first time attending the Diwali Mela at school. I find the celebration wonderful, vibrant and colourful. We are really enjoying ourselves, and I hope the school organises it again next year.”

Students were equally enthusiastic about the celebration, especially the opportunity to spend time with friends and enjoy different activities.

Rajnandini Dubey from MYP 2 appreciated the organisation of the event and the improvements compared with the previous celebration. “I am enjoying how this Diwali Mela is organised, and it has been more advanced than last time. It’s really nice that we get to hang out with all our friends,” she said.

For Arshee Sachdeva (MYP 2), the attractions extended from decorations to food and games. “I love the lights, the decoration, the fact that this is so well organised, the good food, the games and the activities. They’re all just very fun,” she shared, adding that kulfi was her favourite food item.

Arisha a student from MYP 2, appreciated the collective effort behind the celebration, particularly the involvement of parents. “I’ve been liking how the stalls are organised, how the parents are helping out this time. All the effort put into the stalls is really great, and then all the lights and the glamour,” she said.

As the evening unfolded, the Diwali Mela at the school turned into a wonderful celebration of joy, togetherness and community spirit. From energetic performances and exciting games to delicious food and meaningful acts of giving, every moment reflected the enthusiasm of students, parents and teachers.

The laughter, cheerful conversations and shared experiences made the occasion truly memorable. Beyond the festivities, the mela reinforced valuable lessons in compassion, teamwork and social responsibility, reminding everyone that the brightest celebrations are those where happiness is shared, and kindness reaches beyond the school gates.