Celebrating lights, laughter, and community

Diwali, the much-loved Festival of Lights, is a time when the darkness of the year melts into dazzling festivities, symbolising hope, happiness, and the warmth of community. This joyous spirit came alive at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park (ASI) on October 26, 2024, as the school hosted a grand Diwali Mela in its lush, green campus. From colourful decorations to bustling activity stalls, the event was designed to kindle joy, not just in the Apeejay family, but also for those in need, with proceeds going to the CRY Foundation.

The event welcomed over 400 attendees, including students, parents, faculty, and community members, each of whom contributed to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the fair. The school entrance, adorned with fragrant flowers and an intricate rangoli design, radiated the warm spirit of Deepawali from the very beginning, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the festive experience.

As guests moved towards the grounds, the cheerful voices of children could be heard coming from the Mickey Mouse Jumping Trampoline, while families posed for heartwarming keepsakes at the ‘Happy Diwali’ photo booth, capturing moments of joy and togetherness.

The festivities officially began at 3 pm with an enthusiastic welcome speech by students from DP-2, who set the tone for the afternoon by celebrating the unity and diversity that Diwali brings. Following the opening remarks, the school courtyard transformed into a stage for mesmerising cultural performances. PYP students performed a graceful Ganesh Vandana, invoking blessings for an auspicious celebration.

This was followed by a charming ukulele recital and a soulful vocal performance by MYP student Aadia, who paid tribute to her Kazakh heritage with a lively song and dance. Then, students from MYP 1 to MYP 3 captivated the audience with a rousing band performance, filling the air with festive melodies and cheers.

A highlight of the event was undoubtedly the diverse range of food stalls, where families indulged in delicious treats like chaat, noodles, kulfi, and more. Adding to the lively atmosphere, interactive game stalls featured classic carnival challenges like Dart Game, Tyre Football, Coin in Pot, and the ever-popular Ring Toss. Laughter and excitement filled the air as participants tested their skills and luck, trying their best to claim a prize.

The games didn’t stop there; a crowd favourite was the ‘Chopsticks and Beads’ challenge, a fun yet tricky activity where participants had to transfer 10 grains of rice with chopsticks in under 30 seconds.

Diwali, the much-loved Festival of Lights, is a time when the darkness of the year melts into dazzling festivities, symbolising hope, happiness, and the warmth of community. This joyous spirit came alive at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park (ASI) on October 26, 2024, as the school hosted a grand Diwali Mela in its lush, green campus. From colourful decorations to bustling activity stalls, the event was designed to kindle joy, not just in the Apeejay family, but also for those in need, with proceeds going to the CRY Foundation.

The event welcomed over 400 attendees, including students, parents, faculty, and community members, each of whom contributed to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the fair. The school entrance, adorned with fragrant flowers and an intricate rangoli design, radiated the warm spirit of Deepawali from the very beginning, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the festive experience.

As guests moved towards the grounds, the cheerful voices of children could be heard coming from the Mickey Mouse Jumping Trampoline, while families posed for heartwarming keepsakes at the ‘Happy Diwali’ photo booth, capturing moments of joy and togetherness.

The festivities officially began at 3 pm with an enthusiastic welcome speech by students from DP-2, who set the tone for the afternoon by celebrating the unity and diversity that Diwali brings. Following the opening remarks, the school courtyard transformed into a stage for mesmerising cultural performances. PYP students performed a graceful Ganesh Vandana, invoking blessings for an auspicious celebration.

This was followed by a charming ukulele recital and a soulful vocal performance by MYP student Aadia, who paid tribute to her Kazakh heritage with a lively song and dance. Then, students from MYP 1 to MYP 3 captivated the audience with a rousing band performance, filling the air with festive melodies and cheers.

A highlight of the event was undoubtedly the diverse range of food stalls, where families indulged in delicious treats like chaat, noodles, kulfi, and more. Adding to the lively atmosphere, interactive game stalls featured classic carnival challenges like Dart Game, Tyre Football, Coin in Pot, and the ever-popular Ring Toss. Laughter and excitement filled the air as participants tested their skills and luck, trying their best to claim a prize.

The games didn’t stop there; a crowd favourite was the ‘Chopsticks and Beads’ challenge, a fun yet tricky activity where participants had to transfer 10 grains of rice with chopsticks in under 30 seconds.

The spirit of Diwali shone brightest in the collaborative efforts of students across grades, who set up stalls with a common mission: To make a difference. As part of the mela’s charitable objective, most proceeds from the sales were pledged to CRY Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children. Each stall held something unique, from the ‘Tree Planters’ stall initiated by MYP-1 students Nischay and Sushrut, who promoted environmental sustainability, to Bhavya’s ‘Nails and Caricature’ stall, where her artistic skills captured attention. The craft stalls offered an array of handmade items like shagun envelopes, torans, keychains, and origami flowers, with each item crafted with love and purpose.

The evening was filled with touching anecdotes from those who attended. Aarya, a PYP-3 student, expressed her excitement, saying, “I always feel thrilled when Diwali comes around, as it’s my favourite festival. Watching my friends perform and being able to celebrate with my family makes it so special.”

For Ms Diana, visiting from overseas, the mela was her first experience with an Indian fair. “I loved the colours, the energy, and the warmth of everyone here. The school has done an incredible job, and I would love to see more events like this throughout the year,” she shared with a beaming smile.

One game that united guests of all ages was the classic Indian pastime, Tambola (Indian Bingo), which became a central gathering point for both young children and grandparents alike. Neal, a student from MYP-1, shared, “The best part was playing tambola with everyone around. Although I didn’t win, it was so much fun experiencing this game for the first time.” Whether they won or lost, everyone enjoyed the sense of camaraderie and the pure joy of being together.”

The success of the Diwali Mela was due in no small part to the dedication of Mrs Sonia, Service Coordinator, and Business Management Facilitator at ASI. Reflecting on the planning and coordination involved, Mrs. Sonia shared, “Organising such an event was challenging but immensely rewarding. We needed to manage every detail, from the stall prices to coordinating donations for CRY Foundation. Seeing everyone smile and come together made all the hard work worthwhile. Events like these are essential for creating lasting bonds among parents, students, and teachers, all under one roof.” She wished everyone a very Happy Diwali as well.

As the sun began to set, the cultural performances culminated in a lively flash mob led by ASI students. The crowd caught up in the electric energy; and it reached its zenith as parents and teachers danced alongside students, creating a moment of unity and shared joy that embodied the very essence of Diwali. This vibrant and impromptu performance marked the perfect end to a day filled with laughter, music, and goodwill.

The Diwali Mela at ASI was not just an event, it was an unforgettable experience that illuminated the hearts of everyone present. It served as a beautiful reminder of the power of celebration, togetherness, and giving back. Through this joyful gathering, the ASI family demonstrated the true spirit of Diwali by sharing love, happiness, and hope, not only with each other but also with those in need.

The event, in every sense, was indeed a Dilwaali celebration – a festival of lights and hearts alike!

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