Festivals and Celebrations
Culture is a strong binding force in societies, but is often misused for narrow gains. At Abhyasa we train students' right from childhood to experience various cultures through religious festivals and develop tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect for communities that paves way for Harmonious social living. Abhyasa blends the traditions of Indian Gurukuls and the system of Public Schools to provide a broad minded outlook to students. It encompasses everything that is natural, good and promotes positive values. At Abhyasa, we believe in the brotherhood of mankind and the fatherhood of God – who is omnipresent and omnipotent.
Major festivals of all religions are celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety to promote tolerance and love for all races and creeds. The presence of students from all over India and abroad provides a cosmopolitan setup – to broaden the horizons of interaction among children.
Investiture Ceremony:
Is an important occasion at Abhyasa as the student leaders are invested with powers indicating that they were going to shoulder responsibilities from then onwards. It is the most awaited occasion for the students because it falls generally on the Anniversary of Abhyasa i.e 21st of June.
Guru Poornima:
Is the birthday of 'Veda Vyaasa', the most significant day for any Academic. At Abhyasa we start the celebration with 'Nagar Sankeertan' in the morning followed by 'Abhishekam' for the 'Padukas' of the Lord. Later in the evening free distribution of food is done in the nearby village followed by Bhajans on the campus.
Rakhi Poornima:
All the girls of Abhyasa organize a cultural programme for their brothers on the campus, which includes tying of 'Rakhees', Songs, Dance performances, speeches etc. It's a day that reminds everybody of the bonhomie that we share on the campus.
Janmashtami:
Is the birthday of 'Lord Shree Krishna' celebrated with lot of religious fervor by all the students. They organize for a cradle (Jhoola) for the little Krishna and conduct the programme consisting of dances, songs, speeches, video clippings, 'bhajans' etc while He swings blissfully.
Independence Day:
Students organize for flag hoisting ceremony as the air from morning on the day is filled with patriotic feelings that emanate from various songs. As the flag is hoisted at the function, all the students' salute reverence. The programme generally consists of patriotic songs sung by students and speeches eulogizing the great sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Of course, the most interesting part of the celebration is the sweets distribution at the end. The school also organizes some adventure activities later in the day for all the students.
Ganesh Chaturthi:
'Ganapathi Pappa Moria' is the slogan that reverberates through out on the campus. All the children devotedly make their own echo friendly idols of 'Lord Ganesha' competing with one another in their creative artistic perceptions. In the evening a traditional 'Pooja' is performed for Lord Ganesha with all the favoured and flavoured dishes as the students chant 'Ganesha Gayatri' at the background. The 'Pooja' culminates with the narration of the story of Lord Ganesha which supposedly redeems everyone from the fear of false blame.
Teachers' Day:
On the birthday of 'Sree Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan', one of the most learned Presidents of India, Teachers' day is celebrated. Keeping in tune with the Indian gurukul traditions, Abhyasa students perform 'Padapuja' to all their teachers. It is followed by presentations to all the staff by the Principal. Late in the evening the students entertain the staff with songs, dances, fun games and of course the usual ramp shows.
Founders' Day:
The birthday of beloved Principal 'Sree Vinayak Kalletla' on 6th September is celebrated at Abhyasa as founder's day. The day is full of surprises for both the birthday boy and the students. The students prepare an innovative make shift vehicle every year for their 'Princi' to move on the campus during the day. In addition to delicious dishes, the day is filled with exciting and entertaining performances by the students what ever we may speak of the day's highlight is always a colossal cake that the birthday boy personally distributes to everybody.
Celebrating Success:
The students of 'Abhyasa' participate in various academic, co curricular and games & sports external competitions from the beginning of the year till the end of August. Before the examination mood takes over the students celebrate their success over the semester in various activities in a programme that is filled with presentations, felicitations, dances and of course a special dinner.
Sharath Saurabh:
This is a semester-end event that brings forth musical, dancing and dramatic skills of the Abhyasa primary students. Commonly known as Primary School Concert, 'Sharad Saurabh' sees two major events:
- The exhibition of various skills by the Primary students on the stage.
- The exit of all the students for a break of nearly 25 days combining 'Dasara' and 'Deewali'.
Dassera:
Even in the absence of students Abhyasa celebrates 'Dassera' festival performing the 'Hom' for 10 days decorating the 'Goddess' in different styles each day. The pooja culminates on the 10th day with the sacred water from the 'Kalash' sprinkled all over the campus.
Deewali:
Is also celebrated on the campus while all the students are at their homes by performing 'Hom' and bursting crackers.
Children's Day:
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India loved children. In his memory, 14th November – his birthday is celebrates as 'Children's Day' in India. The most interesting and ironical aspect of the day is, it is the Teachers who turn into children performing all sorts of gimmicks on the stage to entertain their children on the Campus. The day also sees special dishes prepared by the staff for the children…. Mind you…No experiments…
Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
The birthday of 'Bhagavan Sree Satya Sai Baba' on the 23rd November is celebrated by the students with 'Nagar Sankeertan', a free medical camp for the needy in the village, free distribution of food, clothes, 'Bhajans' etc. The day ends with reiteration of His message…. "Love All, Serve All, Help Ever, Hurt Never"…
Idul Fitar:
Is the last day of sacred month of 'Ramazan'. Students visit a nearby Mosque and offer prayers to the Almighty 'Allah'. An interaction with the local 'Moulvi' exhibits the curiosity of the Abhyasa children to know more about religion and spirituality. The day culminates with the traditional 'Iftar' party.
Christmas Celebrations:
Abhyasa starts the celebrations on the 'Christmas' Eve celebrating the birth of 'Jesus Christ' moving in a candle procession and offering prayers at the Crib. Students visit a nearby Church on the day of Christmas and attend the Special Service listening to the Sermon by the Father, singing carols and offering prayers.
Hemanth Utsav:
The annual cultural night conducted in the city (Hyderabad/Secunderabad) involving the higher classes, in the last week of December. An Opera based on a particular theme combining dance, drama and music is presented as part of this programme, before the children break for a week.
Sankranthi and Sports Festival:
The 'Pongal' season on the campus has a mixture of entertainment, exercise and education. The three days of 'Bhogi', 'Sankaranti' and 'Kanuma' are spent in conducting inter-house games and sports meet between Shiva and Sakthi houses, clubbed with traditional activities such as dances around 'Bhogi' fire, the Bull Dance, Kite Flying and of course, the traditional dishes to add taste to the activities.
Republic Day:
As 26th January approaches the spirit of patriotism and competition is high among the students of Abhyasa. Are you wondering why? The 'Republic Day' Run from the local Toopran police station through the streets of Toopran carrying Indian Flags to reach the school campus, exhibits the high energy levels of Abhyasa students. This is so because, the first boy and the girl who completes the run and reaches the campus gets the privilege of hoisting the tri-colour at the ceremony.
Maha Shiv Rathri:
A day where the devout staff and students observe fast. 'Rudrabhishekam' and 'Hom' are performed amidst 'Bhajans' and Vedic chanting late in the evening till midnight.
Holi:
Colours, Cries of "Holi Hi" and a customary hug are part of Holi celebrations on the campus. The environmental friendly Abhyasites never forget their duty towards mother earth. Hence they prepare their own natural colours from beetroot, spinach, turmeric etc. Throughout morning they play to their hearts' content smearing coloured water, dancing to the exciting 'Holi' tunes… and they are ready for lunch in their traditional clothes to savour the delicacies served at the dining hall.
Graduation Ceremony of Class X and XII students:
After the strenuous time spent for preparing and appearing for Board exams, a formal valedictory function is conducted for the students of 10th and 12th classes. The ceremony starts with a procession led by the school band, from 'Aashaya' the Administrative block to the venue at the 'Amphi Theatre'. The Chief Guest at the function gives away mementoes and testimonials to all the students. This occasion also provides a platform for students and parents to express their opinions about the life at Abhyasa. The programme ends with a special dinner for all the parents and students.
School Annual Valedictory Programme :
is a short and sweet occasion, which signifies the end of another academic year for the students. After the programme the students from class 4 to 7 leave for summer break as the higher classes continue for a month on the campus to equip themselves better to face the board exams.
Ugadi:
It is the regional 'New Year' day for people of 'Andhra Pradesh', 'Maharashtra' & 'Karnataka' which is celebrated in a traditional fervor on the 'Abhyasa Campus'. The celebration at the Temple starts with 'Hom' and ends with reading of traditional almanac by the priest and distribution of a special dish which gives of seven different tastes.
Sri Rama Navami
is the birthday and marriage day of 'Lord Rama' which is celebrated in tune with our culture and tradition. The ideals of ‘Lord Rama' are remembered as He is eulogized as a Perfect Man. At the end of the puja on the day, the traditional jaggery water is given as prasad to all on the campus.