As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the MH Shala community was already buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The preparation for our Holi and Rang Panchami celebration had begun the night before, with meticulous planning led by our dedicated volunteer, Suhashini Patil, and her enthusiastic team comprising Smita, Neelam, and Vaishali. Their efforts set the stage for a day filled with joy, learning, and the vibrant colors of spring.
The Morning Warm-Up
By 10 am, both Batch 1 and Batch 2 kids had gathered, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The day kicked off with a warm-up activity led by Jayashree and Amita Ji, which not only energized the kids but also brought everyone together in a spirit of camaraderie. Following this, the divine chants of “Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu” and the wisdom-laden “Manache Shloks” were led by Jayashree and Puja Ji, grounding us in spirituality and mindfulness as we stepped into the day’s celebrations.
A Dive into the Essence of Holi
The highlight of the morning was the Holi presentation, crafted with care by our volunteers. Through videos and quizzes, the presentation delved into the heart of Holi, emphasizing its message of unity, forgiveness, and the triumph of good over evil. Questions about Holi’s other names, the Hindu month it’s celebrated in, and legends associated with the festival sparked lively discussions among the kids. The quiz ended in a delightful tie, showcasing the keen interest and knowledge of both groups.
Holika Dahan: Burning Away the Bad
A poignant moment of the celebration was the enactment of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the burning away of bad habits and negativity. This ritual, represented by a bonfire, was a powerful reminder of Holi’s deeper significance and was captured in a memorable photograph for all to see.
The Joy of Creation
Following the solemn moments, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as children engaged in liquid color hand printing on white fabric. This activity was not just about fun; it was a creative expression of joy and togetherness, leaving behind vibrant reminders of the day.
Rang Panchami: A Splash of Joy
The climax of the celebration was the eagerly awaited “Rang Panchami” – the playing of colors. Armed with a pack of colors each, kids and parents alike reveled in the open grounds of Wicklund Park, painting the sky and each other in hues of happiness. Laughter, music, and dance filled the air, creating a tapestry of unforgettable memories.
A Feast to Remember
The festivities had stirred up quite an appetite, and thanks to our generous volunteers and sponsors, a feast awaited. Cheez pizza, courtesy of Yogesh; Thandai, lovingly prepared by Santosh; Bhel, brought by Srinivas and mixed by volunteers; and Dhokla made by the Gatchi family, provided the perfect end to a perfect day.
A Day to Remember
As we look back on this most memorable Holi event, we are filled with gratitude for our volunteers who planned, managed, and brought to life a celebration that truly embodied the spirit of Holi. It was a day that reminded us of the beauty of coming together, forgiving, and celebrating life in all its colors.
To see the joy, the learning, and the vibrant celebration, check out the video and pictures here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, making this Holi and Rang Panchami celebration not just an event, but a cherished memory in the heart of our community. Here’s to many more celebrations, togetherness, and the beautiful journey of learning and growing at MH Shala.