Traditional art took center stage today as students in Haryana traded their pens for brushes and color powders to mark the onset of the Diwali season.
-
The Competitions:
-
Rangoli Making: Houses (Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow) competed to create the most vibrant floor art. In a prominent Karnal school, the “Prerna House” took the first prize for a Rangoli depicting a “Pollution-Free India.”
-
Diya Decoration: Younger students focused on painting traditional clay lamps (diyas) with acrylic colors, glitter, and beads. The emphasis this year was on using natural, sustainable materials rather than plastic-based decorations.
-
-
Themes of the Year: Many schools integrated educational themes into the art, such as “Save the Girl Child” and “Vocal for Local.” In Gurugram, students created “Seed Rangolis”—designs made from grains and pulses that can be later fed to birds or used as compost.
-
The Holiday Schedule: The school administration announced the official Diwali break schedule:
-
Oct 19 (Sunday): Chhoti Diwali
-
Oct 20 (Monday): Diwali (Main Holiday)
-
Oct 21 (Tuesday): Additional holiday declared by many private/govt schools.
-
Oct 22 (Wednesday): Vishwakarma Day / Govardhan Puja
-
Oct 23 (Thursday): Bhai Dooj
-
-
Principals’ Message: “These activities are essential to keep our children connected to their roots. While we focus on academic excellence, the spirit of teamwork and cultural pride displayed today is equally important,” said the Principal of a DAV Public School during the prize distribution.
-
School Reopening: Most institutions are expected to resume classes on October 24 (Friday), though some districts in the NCR region may extend the break till Chhath Puja (October 28).
Safety Reminder: Before the break, teachers conducted special assemblies to sensitize students about the dangers of firecrackers. Many students took a “Green Diwali Pledge,” promising to celebrate the festival with lights, sweets, and plants rather than noise and smoke.
