Students’ creativity to the fore

Children showcase their talent in Sankranti Sambaralu at schools

Children at a school taking part in Sankranti celebrations ahead of the festival in Visakhapatnam.

Varalaskhmi, a Class IX student, could not put her mind to rest until she zeroed in on a specific pattern she wanted to design for the contest.

Once she finalises the pattern, she then turns her attention to the colour combination that goes into her creation.

Although it took considerable time for Varalaksksmi to design the rangoli on Andhra University High School Telugu Medium campus, she says that the event is something she always looks forward to.

Dipping their hands in sachets of colour powder and giving final touches to their patterns, several students show their prowess in connecting the dots and filling them with bright shades at the venue.

It is an opportunity for a number of students to bring their expertise to the fore in traditional art formats as educational institutions in the city come up with thematic events before closing down for over a week.

Cultural legacy

Keeping the cultural legacy alive, many schools hosted kite festival, muggula poteelu , traditional attire contest and cultural programmes in the rural backdrop in advance. N. Ananya, a Class IX student of Delhi Public School, Anandapuram, says that Sankranti Sambaralu in school lends a different flavour altogether as it helps students learn teamwork and makes them understand Telugu culture and tradition in detail.

At GVMC High School, Madhurawada, students try to squeeze time to do considerable groundwork for the ensuing rangoli contest. “This year, we want to design something different, giving equal importance to traditional elements. Fortunately, YouTube videos come in handy,” says B. Sandhya, a Class IX student of the school. Headmaster of MPP School, Dibbapalem village P. Jagdeeswararao says that children of the institution will soon be taking part in Bhogi mantalu (ceremonial bonfire).