At Atmiya Vidya Mandir, students are imparted with the quintessential characteristic of Bhartiya culture and ethnicity which encompasses festivals and celebrations. Holi is one such major festival that helps students to learn about the inspiring legend of unflinching devotion and faith of Prahlad ji. Amidst all the fun and frolic of celebrating this festival, students acknowledged that Holika Dahan is symbolic of the burning of evil and they also realized that faith and devotion can be the strongest shields to protect a God’s devotee from all evils as it happened with Prahlad ji.

This year, the unexpected and out-of-the-blue drizzles and sprinkling from the sky could not dampen the festive spirit among the students and their joy of the celebration. On 7th March ’23, entire AVM family gathered besides the Handball ground arena to participate in the ritual of Holika Dahan. As per the tradition, students took rounds around the holy bonfire and the golden flames of Holika Dahan. They were carrying small paper chits buried in their tightly closed fists which they intended to offer to the fire with a prayer to ward off all the negativity and deficiency.

After the poojan and the rituals of Holika Dahan, it was time for a feast! The air was already laden with the aroma of delightful dishes being prepared in the school’s dining hall and students did not have to wait long to relish these traditional cuisines.

The festivity and celebration continued to the next day. After the morning classes, once again, the students dived into the pool all the fun and frolic of Dhuleti. They were invited at the school’s football ground which was prepared for Dhuleti celebration. The football ground of Atmiya Vidya Mandir offered the most unusual sight on 8th March ’23 as the students, teachers, and housemasters were celebrating the festival of colours here.

“Here! take a daub of pink and blue” shouted one “look, get this! a tinge of red and yellow” responded another “come here! to be smudged with green and purple” called the housemaster “there goes the chase for yet another fling of colours!”

Thus, the cloud of rainbow colours blasted upon the exuberant students!

As a matter of fact, the entire school campus seemed to be smeared with Holi hues as the boisterous students were enjoying the festival of dhuleti to the fullest. Though, the imminent board examination and demanding study hours constrained the students of grade 10 and grade 12 from getting on this bandwagon of colour-blast; nevertheless, they have had no less charm in getting into the practice sessions for exams.

Thus, the celebration of the Holi festival was a wholesome experience for students, which greatly resonated with the mission of the school to imbue cultural values and traditional standards in the students. Moreover, with such frequent celebrations and gala time, students imbibe the feeling of being at ‘home away from home’ while deriving happiness and fun at the fullest.

Seema Ma’am

Holika Dahan Smrutis

Dhuleti Smrutis