On September 23, 2025, the BhāratShakti team organised a workshop titled UTSAHA: Celebrating the Joyful and Contemplative Spirit of Navaratri  for the students of Sri Aurobindo Centenary School, Tadipatri, Anantapur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. This 2-hour programme was organised at Sri Aurobindo Society.

Participants included 50 students from Class VII to Class X along with 10 teachers. The event was proposed by Ms. Lakshmijyothi C., a BhāratShakti resource person, who also organises Integral Education workshop for the teachers of Sri Aurobindo Centenary School. Dr. Beloo Mehra finalised the workshop details in discussion with Ms. Biswajita Mohapatra keeping in the mind the age-group of the students. It was ensured that different cultural practices related to Navaratri are included in the short workshop — from rangoli/kolam making to garba and folk theatrical performances.

The workshop began with a brief concentration with music. After the welcome and introductions, Dr. Mehra informed the students and teachers about the different activities that were planned for them as part of the celebration of the spirit of Navaratri — a festival celebrating Shakti in nine forms.

She then briefly explained the psychological and spiritual significance of the nine forms of Devi using examples and anecdotes relevant to the participants’ lives as students and teenagers. Ms. Lakshmijyothi translated some of the explanations in Telugu to ensure that students were able to grasp fully.

A short film on the story of Mahishasurmardhini using Tholu Bommalata, the shadow puppet theatre tradition of the state of Andhra Pradesh was then played for the students. It was shared with them that the roots of this theatrical tradition go back to 3rd century BCE.

Students found the film in English quite engaging. And as they were familiar with the puppetry tradition, they could relate more deeply with the message of the film. Some simple explanations were given in Telugu by Mr. Narendra Murty after the film.

For the next activity, the students were divided into 5 groups and each group was given different activities such as colouring, drawing, Flower Arrangements and writing the names of the nine forms of Devi using their own creativity. All the activities were explained as part of the group’s celebration of Navaratri. The patterns used for colouring and drawing activities were primarily drawn from Indian cultural traditions. After completing their work, all the students were encouraged to see and appreciate the creativity of other groups.

Thereafter, each group was encouraged to present an impromptu, unrehearsed garba dance to some pre-recorded garba dance track. The students participated whole-heartedly in this activity, some of the teachers also joined the small groups. Each group performed the dance with lot of joy and laughter, as Ms. Biswajita Mohapatra guided them by demonstrating simple garba steps. After each individual group had performed a short dance, all the 50 students along with their teachers performed a collective dance as the final offering.

After the energetic garba activity, all students were asked to sit in a circle and practice a short silent meditation before concluding the workshop. The school authorities thanked the BhāratShakti team for organising a meaningful workshop in which students learned some important things in a fun, interactive manner. Overall it was a joyful experience for all the participants.

For more workshops conducted by BhāratShakti, see HERE.