WRITTEN BY
Garima Vidya Vihar

Teaching Cultural Values in Schools with Janmashtami Joy

Janmashtami,School Celebrations,Cultural Festivals,Educational Activities,Krishna Stories,Art and Craft,Student Engagement,Indian Festivals,

Janmashtami is an Indian festival celebrated in regard to the birth of Lord Krishna, who is a prominent personality in Hinduism. The festival usually falls in the month of August and comprises special prayers, fasting, and gaiety. People decorate temples and houses, sing devotional songs, and take part in dance and drama concerning the life events of Krishna. It is a joyful moment characterized by worship and festive foods.

1. How to Celebrate Janmashtami in School

1.Decorate the School

Start by transforming the school environment with vibrant decorations. Use colors and themes that will relate it to Janmashtami, with images of Lord Krishna, flowers, and festive lights. Arrange special attractions or displays for Krishna Janma, replicating the birthplace of Mathura in a beautiful way to enhance the visual factors.

2.Educational Activities

Organise storytelling sessions where teachers or student share tales about Krishna’s life and teachings. This engaging approach helps students learn about Krishna in an enjoyable and memorable way. Alongside these stories, involve students in art and craft related to Janmashtami. 

3.Performances and Dramas

Festivity to the occasion by incorporating student performances and dramas on episodes from Krishna’s life. Present traditional dance items and musical shows comprising devotional songs known as Bhajans that relate to Krishna’s divinity and teachings.

4.Special Assemblies and Prayers

Hold a special school assembly focusing on Janmashtami. This time is used for sharing what students have learned and to allow them to present performances. Prayer sessions or meditation activities further to the spiritual aspect of the festival are also held, making way for a minute of reflection and devotion by students in the school.

5.Interactive Activities

The festival of “Dahi Handi” can be celebrated by forming human pyramids and then breaking the matki, in which curd and some sweets are kept, imitating Krishna. Competitive games or some Krishna stories should also be held in the classroom to make it interesting, along with some quiz or fancy dress competition.

2. Core Values Students Learn from Janmashtami

1.Empathy and Kindness

This festival gives much more to the school children than celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. Through these festive traditions and teachings of the festival, students come to adopt qualities such as devotion, compassion, resilience, and humility. Such core values, when internalized, help them to be more empathetic, ethical, and balanced.

2.Facing Challenges

Celebrating school Janmashtami, children not only learn the cultural and religious values related to that event but also acquire skills associated with joy from communal activities and unity with respect. Janmashtami is one such festival that enables classmates to learn selflessness, forgiveness, and the worth of peace of mind for the development of their personality and to face any situation in life intelligently and graciously.

“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

3.Embracing Happiness

Janmashtami teaches students to celebrate life’s joys and share happiness with others. It highlights the importance of participating in and spreading joy, reinforcing the value of celebration in fostering a positive atmosphere.

4.Building Community

The festival encourages a sense of unity and community spirit. Students learn the value of working together, supporting one another, and building strong, inclusive relationships within their community.

Conclusion

This festival gives much more to the school children than celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna.Through these festive traditions and teachings of the festival, students come to adopt qualities such as devotion, compassion, resilience, and humility. Such core values, when internalized, help them to be more empathetic, ethical, and balanced.

Celebrating school Janmashtami, children not only learn the cultural and religious values related to that event but also acquire skills associated with joy from communal activities and unity with respect. Classmates learn selflessness, forgiveness, and the worth of peace of mind from Janmashtami, which helps in the development of their personality and makes them face any situation in life intelligently and graciously.

For more insights on fostering unity and patriotism in students through celebrations, check out our blog on Independence Day Celebrations: Inspiring Patriotism and Unity in Students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to celebrate Janmashtami in school ideas?

Ans:-  The school holds storytelling sessions, stage performances, organise special assemblies, arrange fun activities like “Dahi Handi” games, and have a fancy dress competition related to Krishna’s stories.

Q2. What does Janmashtami teach us?

Ans:- Janmashtami shows us the value of kindness, courage, and celebrating together.

Q3. What is the culture of Janmashtami?

Ans;- Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying together, preparing and sharing special food, and visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples

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