Schools in the city were abuzz with Sankranti celebrations on Saturday. Since most schools will be closed from Monday for the festival, Saturday witnessed revelries on campuses.
Since this harvest festival is all about revisiting tradition, revellers in cities choose all things pastoral. The bhogi flames, the makeshift hutments erected on the premises, the decorated bulls (gangireddulu), the Haridasu chanting keerthanas and the quintessential ritual of bhogi pallu (Indian cherries) on children brought the campuses alive.
Cultural programme
In Nalanda Vidya Niketan, children dressed in traditional attire, enthralled the visitors by presenting a colourful cultural programme. A string of competitions were organised and prizes were given to the winners.
Headmistress M. Padmaja said the celebrations were part of the school’s endeavour to develop the students into rounded personalities. These festivals served as an effective tool to help students remain rooted to their rich traditions. Students must have knowledge about Indian festivals, the rituals associated with them and their significance, she said.
In N.S.M. School at Patamata, the campus transformed into an artiste’s palette as the space was awash with splendid colours. Besides creating rangoli (muggu) patterns on the floor, girls performed gobbemma dance.
Addressing students, principal Bro. Chinnappa Reddy said these festivals serve as occasions to connect to our rich culture. Vice-principal V.V. Jose, coordinator Uma Devi and other staff members participated.
Students of Spring Fields International, located amid a concrete jungle, transformed the school premises into a rural setting with students dressed in traditional attire and drawing rangoli patterns and Haridasu singing tunes in praise of Lord Vishnu.
‘Bommala koluvu'
The celebrations began with worshipping of goddess Lakshmi and Goda Devi. It was followed by Bhogi (a bonfire), ‘bommala koluvu', display of dolls in a systematic pattern, and shower of ‘ bhogi pallu' on the little ones.Students formed a circle and sang traditional songs.
At Sarada Ramakrishna Vidyalayam in Gandhinagar, the festival revelry resonated with students creating a rare buzz by participating in a string of activities organised by the management.
