Holi Celebrations

Children enjoyed the traditional way in which Holi is celebrated in Maharashtra. They also enjoyed the stories related to the festival and relished the feast of Puranpoli.

Trivia

Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika Dahan where people gather, perform religious rituals in front of the bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was killed in the fire.It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon day) falling in the Vikram Samvat Hindu Calendar month of Phalguna, which falls somewhere between the end of February and the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar.

Ranga Panchami

Children had a merry time playing with colours on the Ranga Panchami day. The volunteers and staff members played with the children. It was a joyous occasion for all.

Trivia

Rang Panchami is a festival celebrated on Phalgun Krushnapaksh Panchami i.e. the fifth day of the second fortnight of the month of Phalgun. People celebrate by throwing fragrant red powder (gulal) and splashing coloured water, etc. on others. In most parts of India, the festival of colors is celebrated on the full moon day named Holi, approximately 5 days before. Recently, the media portrayal, depiction of the festival of colors during Holi festivities has changed the trend as many people in the cities preferring to celebrate Holi rather than Rangapanchami. Rural areas however still celebrate it on the fifth with a gusto.

Shiv Jayanti

Children were inspired by the stories of valor and heroic deeds of Ch. Shivaji Maharaj on the Shiv Jayanti day, when senior volunteers narrated stories of Shivaji Maharaj to the children. The children were delighted to see one of their mate dressed up like Shivaji Maharaj.

Trivia

Shiv Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the greatest Maratha ruler ever-known — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler who carved an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that became the start of the Maratha Empire. On the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, several processions are taken out and people dress up like Shivaji and his associates. There are processions and dramas enacted on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and speeches made on Shivaji Jayanti by prominent government officials on this day.

Gudhi Padwa

The first month of the Hindu year is Chaitra and Gudi Padwa marks the first day of the new year.A Gudi was erected at the doorstep of Shreevatsa. Children were dressed in new clothes and enjoyed a delicious meal of Shrikhand Puri.

Trivia

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated in and near Maharashtra on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. The festival is observed with colorful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudhi flag (garlanded with flowers, mango and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel), street processions, dancing and festive foods.

Monthly Birthday Celebrations

Children enjoyed the party and enjoyed with games and delicious snacks.

Children’s Activities in Sofosh School

(3 years – 6 years GROUP)