Apeejay School, Saket, Showcases a Kaleidoscope of Colours on Vrindavan Dandiya Utsav 2026

Marigold garlands and hundreds of swirling skirts transformed the ground of Apeejay School, Saket, into a festival arena. The school hosted its Vrindavan Dandiya Utsav 2026 in which students, parents and teachers came together to celebrate culture, colour and joy marking the on-going Navratri celebrations.

The festive mood was sensed at the entry gate, which featured the Vrindavan theme. The decor included a painted figure of a folk dancer, different types of colourful rangolis and an arrangement of diyas and flower decoration. As one entered the school ground, overhead canopies of fringed fabric in pink, yellow, orange, blue and red were hanging from the trees and poles.

A chief guest who spoke of mistakes

The Vrindavan Dandiya Utsav 2026 commenced with a prayer ceremony. For this special evening, Shri Padamjeet Sehrawat, a singer, composer, sports commentator, author and motivational speaker, presided over as the Chief Guest. He was welcomed by the school Principal Dr. Sujeet Eric Masih. 

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest set the tone for the evening with a candid opening. He drew on the timeless wisdom of Kabir Das and a well-known shlok from the Skanda Purana for students and parents. He further shared his joy, “It is a privilege to be here”. Turning to the students, he stressed that trying never leads to loss. “Either you win or you learn.”

A evening full of music and dance

The programme featured the orchestra playing Navratri songs that lead the participants to perform dances. The performances were high-spirited. A group of boys danced in formation with quick steps, while the girls moved in a flowing circle, their dupattas swaying with every turn.

A riot of colour

Girls arrived in a rich mix of colourful chaniya cholis and lehengas. At the same time, the boys were just as colourful, in bright pink, maroon, red or deep purple kurtas with white pyjamas. For many students, the evening was the result of weeks of preparation. Krisha of Class 6 B and Samer of Class 4 A said, “We are excited about the dance performances. We have been rehearsing for weeks.”

Hridya Shokeen of Class 8 B has been coming to the event for the last two years. “I am happy to see the decoration is so beautiful. I am so excited as I have come here with my friends,” she said.

“I am enjoying it, and I have participated in the dance also,” shared Yashika of Class 2 B.

Teachers and parents join the fun

Teachers matched the festive mood in traditional dress, and parents turned up in force, dressed for the occasion too. Many held up their phones to record their children’s performances. Families sat together on the benches, chatting and clapping along, while others walked around the ground in groups, stopping to click pictures against the colourful canopies.

“I am feeling very good and excited to watch all the programmes. The decorations are so good and thoughtful,” said Ms Prena, mother of Shivaay of KG B and Gyaanvi of Class 3 B.

Ms Indu Saini, mother of two daughters who both study in Class 4, praised that the arrangements were just perfect. “This event is really good. We are enjoying the music and the food stalls. The arrangements are done appropriately,” she said.

For Ms Shipra, whose daughter Dhamita studies in LKG, the event is also a chance to connect. “These events are held with so much enthusiasm, and kids are involved in this activity a lot. It is such a time where we meet teachers outside a professional environment and interact with other parents also,” she said. Dhamita added that she was enjoying the dandiya.

Food stalls for every taste

A line of food stalls along the sports court added to the festive feel. Gazebo-style tents in red and blue stood side by side, offering pizza, biryani, mocktails, a students’ shop, and special cuisine from Bihar and Odisha. 

Families hopped from one tent to another, picking up snacks and drinks. The stall area became a busy social spot, with groups of parents and children gathered around tall tables.

Music, rhythm and energy

Music was at the heart of the night. The chief guest sang for the audience and encouraged everyone to join in. Dandiya sticks clicked, feet moved in quick rhythm, and the circles on the ground grew larger as more people joined. The boundary between performers and audience blurred as parents and teachers stepped onto the ground and danced with the children.