Holi! A spring of unbounded fun, frolic and festive spirit!!

Amidst strenuous studying hours and coping with the demanding rigorous practice for final exams, students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir held off for a day to take the warmth of the festive spirit ushered in a new season at the advent of spring. AVM campus is never bereft of fun and frolic reckoning with long academic sessions and ongoing celebrations.

Festivals are the mainstay of the Indian culture - Not a month goes by without a celebration. However, none are as fun as Holi, (especially for children) the festival of color. Held annually at the beginning of spring on the day after a full moon, this year's festival was celebrated by AVM family on March 8th, 2012.The students experienced through this celebration how the regal festival of Holika Dahan perpetuates centuries-old time-honoured traditions. Holi Festival brings us close to our Religion, Tradition, Culture and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with this festival.

 

 

In the esteemed presence of the elders of the AVM family, trustees, principal, administrator, hostel staff and all teachers and students; the bonfires were lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika). Prayers were said and praise was offered as all the students and teachers took a round around the holy ring of fire. Students recalled the mythological reference as the bonfires were lit in memory of the miraculous escape of Prahlad when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire.

Other than the historical significance of the festival, the students enjoyed it greatly as it is a beautiful reminiscent of the importance of colors in our life. The colors could be held symbolic of happiness, brotherhood and humanity. This festival gives yet another occasion to come together and indulge in some merriment and have a good time together which is the underlying purpose of every festival that we celebrate.

As the teachers, house masters and students started with smudging the faces of one another with dry colours, the students, in no-holds barred sessions, splashed water at each-other, later substituting this with squirt guns and colourful "pichkaris." Gulal - red, green, yellow and countless, as a day's canvas - a riot of colors. Sprightly students were running hither and thither amidst the Rainbow of colors, dashing from every nook and corner, rejoicing at the marvel of colors. They enjoyed this day filled with luster and gaiety. At about midday, this friendly mayhem comes to an end and everybody hurried to take a shower to cleanse off, followed by feast and a well-deserved siesta.

Once again, this festive spirit was not to steer the course of the journey as AVM students are back to the buzz of humdrum of unrestrained studies after this short maneuver.