Dussehra was celebrated in the Pre-primary section by introducing the festival’s cultural significance to our young learners. The celebration focused on the triumph of good over evil through storytelling and engaging, age-appropriate activities. Our goal is to teach moral values, promote creativity, and instill cultural awareness in a fun and memorable way.
The Nine Days of Navratri
During the days leading up to Dussehra, our students learned about Navratri and the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Teachers shared information about each form, and vibrant pictures were displayed on the bulletin boards to help children better understand our rich culture and traditions.
Each day of worship is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess, who blesses us with love, strength, and protection:
Day 1: Maa Shailputri – The daughter of the mountains. She rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini – She holds a japmala (prayer beads) and a kamandalu. She teaches us to study well, do good work, and remain patient.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta – Named for the half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. Brave and beautiful, she rides a lion and protects us from harm.
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda – Believed to have created the world with her smile. She has eight hands and holds a pot of nectar and weapons, teaching us to stay positive and energetic.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata – The mother of Skanda. She is loving and caring, teaching us to be kind and respectful to our parents and elders.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani – A brave and strong form of the Goddess who gives us the courage to always stand up for what is right.
Day 7: Maa Kaalratri – Powerful and fierce with a dark complexion, she protects her devotees and brings goodness and happiness.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri – Fair and beautiful like the moon, she wears white clothes and rides a white bull, symbolizing peace and purity.
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri – Her name means “the one who gives siddhi” (wisdom/power). Sitting on a lotus, she blesses us with health and happiness.
Navratri helps our students learn about our traditions and encourages them to always do good things with a happy heart!
