All Photos by Anil Jaiswal
Lucknow: The festival of colours, Holi, is much more than just a riot of hues; it is a vibrant celebration of culture, camaraderie, and tradition. Keeping this spirit alive, Brain Wizard Learning Academy, a renowned preparatory school, recently hosted an exuberant pre-Holi celebration that brought together children, parents, and teachers in a kaleidoscope of festivities.
In an age where many youngsters are drifting away from India’s rich cultural heritage and mythology, the event served as a bridge, connecting them to the age-old legends of Prahlad and Holika. The storytelling segment captivated young minds, as they listened intently to the timeless tale of good triumphing over evil, laying the foundation for cultural awareness through engaging narration.
The celebrations unfolded with a spectrum of creative activities that allowed children to explore their artistic flair. One of the highlights was hand-painting on white T-shirts, where tiny palms left colourful imprints, turning simple garments into unique keepsakes. Another engaging segment was Gujiya-making, where children got hands-on experience stuffing meva (dry fruit filling) into delicate pastry pockets, fostering an appreciation for traditional culinary arts.
Adding to the festive charm, the ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ segment had participants drenched in a shower of marigold and rose petals, an experience that recreated the grandeur of Holi celebrations in temples of Vrindavan and Mathura. The energy reached its peak during the balloon-hitting activity, where children gleefully aimed at a giant Peppa Pig installation, bursting balloons filled with vibrant colours.
As music filled the air, young and old alike swayed to the beats of popular Holi songs, from the evergreen ‘Rang Barse’ to the playful ‘Balam Pichkari.’ The atmosphere was charged with joy and laughter as families bonded over dance, music, and festive cheer.
The organizers ensured that every visitor left with a tangible memory of the event. Special Holi hampers containing crispy, fried gujiyas, handcrafted colourful T-shirts, and other festive goodies were handed out, adding to the delight of attendees.
In a thoughtful addition to the event, a mini-screening of children’s favorite cartoons gave little ones moments of sheer joy, making it an all-encompassing celebration. Parents, too, found the occasion to be an ice-breaker, interacting with fellow parents and teachers in a relaxed setting while capturing precious moments in countless selfies.
The Brain Wizard team emphasized that such interactive events play a crucial role in bringing children closer to their roots, allowing them to celebrate tradition in a playful and immersive manner.
As the day came to an end, vibrant hues lingered on faces, clothes, and hearts, marking not just a celebration of Holi, but a reaffirmation of culture, love, and unity—proving that festivals are not just to be celebrated but experienced in all their colourful grandeur.