The sheer joy of growing at Atmiya Vidya Mandir is interspersed with varying strands of experiences and learning for students during celebrations, sports, academic competitions and extra-curricular activities. Given the rich repository of values and morals, the school’s purpose is well poised to let the children absorb culture and traditions, ethics and morals while pursuing excellence in academics. After two years of being held at ransom by the diabolical Wuhan virus, this festive season ushered in the grandeur of Ganeshotsav and once again the AVM campus reverberated with cheers of euphoric students who gathered to welcome the ‘Harbinger of Happiness and Prosperity – Ganpati Bappa’ in the campus.

The celebration began with the ceremonial procession which started from the main gate of the school. Bhagwan Ganesh’s Murti was placed in a well decorated make-shift chariot, students swarmed in the place along with their teachers, housemasters and Didis. Everyone hollered ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ and the thumping of drums enveloped the entire campus in joy and jubilation. After reaching at the school’s prayer hall the idol was suitably placed in the sacrosanct premises of the prayer hall, where it was devoutly worshipped on all days that Ganpati Bappa’s presence graced the campus.

His Divine Holiness Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj always revered Bhagwan Ganesh and elucidated this fact to the students that Bhagwan Ganesh was not only the figurine divine entity of worship, but an ideal example of devotion and dedication towards parents. Hence, students have repeatedly been advised to realize the significance of Bhagwan Ganesh’s peculiar form and name and to read, consider and inculcate ideals from Bhagwan Ganesh’s life. Students conscientiously realize the need of blessings and pray to Bhagwan for providing wisdom, stability and humility in all walks of their life.

The culmination of this festival was yet another spectacular event. The ritualistic time arrived to bid adieu and pray for the deity’s early return the following year. The fragrance of flowers, soothing aroma of camphor and the jingle of bells filled the air as preparation for the grand immersion of the idol was taking place. As it was taken for the holy dip, Bhagwan Ganesh’s idol was, once again, paraded through the school campus amidst singing, dancing and great mirth and gaiety. Students were bowing their heads in devotion, their eyes closed in prayer even amid constant commotion of the melding of music and spirituality and chanting of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, agle Baras tu Jaldi aa”.

Thus, fun and festivity for the students of AVM, provide a timely and needed relief from the exhaustion of studies and other academic endeavour that they are otherwise occupied with. Upholding our cultural legacy and customs was thus once again reinforced at AVM through the festive fervour of Ganesh Chaturthi!

Seema Ma’am