It’s all about culture and colours at Apeejay Rhythms, Jalandhar!

When the usual red bricks of the school building are engulfed in golden lights, the campus decorated with elaborate tents and the stage is set for young performers to display song and dance, one is sure to put on their dancing shoes and indulge in the festive spirit.

To commemorate the 9 days of the Navaratri festival, a Hindu celebration marking the victory of Goddess Durga over a demon king, Mahishasura, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld School in Model Town, Jalandhar organised Dandiya Dhoom for all students and parents.

The evening started with the lighting of lamps and a traditional puja by the school’s Principal, Ms. Sinia Sajith, who along with all the staff members offered special prayers to Goddess Durga to seek her blessings on the occasion. Dr. Sushma Chawla, prominent gynecologist at Chawla Maternity Home, Jalandhar and Dr. Pooja Kalra, a renowned pediatrician practicing at Kapoor Bone and Child Hospital in Jalandhar were the Guests of Honour of the event. Dr. Chawla addressed the gathering by saying, “Such occasions are really needed post-COVID as they bring students, parents and teachers together. These are very important for the mental and physical health of the students.” Dr. Kalra emphasised the importance of staying connected to one’s roots, re-calling her childhood spent in Gujarat. She said, “I am thankful to Apeejay for inviting me to this festival.”

Bringing alive the spirit and vigour at the festival, 200 parents and students attended the event, gathering at the school’s central lawn to engage in energetic, light-footed and graceful Dandiya dance. Students combined their rhythmic movements with some of their favourite, peppy Bollywood numbers that kept everyone glued to the dance floor.

Choreographer Rajan Syal, Founder at Parindey Dance Academy, Punjabi singer Mangi Mahal, and RJ Garry were star guests at the event, charming everyone with their dance and music. At the closing, the guests distributed exciting gift vouchers and prizes to the best performers of the evening, and chief guests, Dr. Chawla and Dr. Kalra announced ‘Dandiya Titles’ for the top dancers.

“This festival strengthens the cultural unity of India and inspires each one of us to live in harmony, follow the path of virtue and shun evil. I wish that this celebration of joy protects everyone from the effects of the pandemic and brings prosperity to all.”

-Ms. Sinia Sajith, Principal, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Jalandhar