Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Festivals
At the Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children (MNC), we wholeheartedly embrace every opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures and festivals, ensuring that all children feel included and experience the joy of participation. By engaging in a variety of celebrations — from Independence Day and Vinayaka Chaturthi to Diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, and Pongal — we create a vibrant atmosphere that fosters community spirit and cultural awareness.
Independence Day
India’s Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm on 15 August each year at MNC. This significant occasion is marked by a flag hoisting ceremony, where a chief guest is welcomed by our exceptional children to raise the national flag. Following the flag salute, the children joyfully sing a range of patriotic songs.
As part of the festivities, each child receives a small flag made by their peers, pinned on them by the chief guest and MNC management. This fosters a sense of unity and pride among the children. Additionally, mothers play an integral role in the celebration by presenting insights about the stalwarts of India’s freedom struggle, history, and politics, thereby creating awareness about our rich heritage and culture.
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Vinayak Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh, is an annual festival that brings joy and creativity to our Centre. During this vibrant celebration, we engage children in a hands-on activity that connects them with the festival’s cultural significance. The children create models of Lord Vinayak using different materials: those in the Early Intervention Centre (EIC) use a mixture of wheat flour, salt, and food color, while the children from Jivikam work with clay. This creative process not only fosters artistic expression among the children but also enhances their gross and fine motor skills.
The results are truly mesmerizing models of Lord Vinayak, showcasing the children’s creativity and effort. Once completed, these beautiful idols are displayed in the assembly hall, where a small pooja is performed to honor Lord Ganesh.
Diwali
The ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali, is celebrated with immense joy by children, parents, and staff alike at MNC. A highlight of this festive occasion is the lively fancy dress competition, where children enthusiastically dress up as their favorite idols, including Krishna, Radha, Lakshmi, and other beloved characters.
Every child shines in this celebration, as they are all recognized as winners. Each parent and teacher light a symbolic earthen lamp, which is then placed in the front yard of the school, illuminating the spirit of Diwali.
To enrich the experience further, we invite teachers from neighboring special schools to serve as judges for the fancy dress competition. The celebration culminates with sweets being distributed to everyone, fostering a sense of community and festivity.
Christmas
Every December, Santa makes a special visit to the children at MNC just before the Christmas holidays, bringing joy and excitement to all. The festivities kick off with the children performing a delightful enactment of the birth of Jesus, donning costumes that bring characters like the baby in the manger and the wise kings to life. This cherished tradition fosters creativity and teamwork among the children and their parents, as they collaborate on planning the skit, preparing costumes, and rehearsing. The involvement of mothers in decorating a large Christmas tree adds to the festive atmosphere, showcasing their talents and boosting their confidence.
When Santa arrives, the excitement is palpable as children eagerly rush to greet him and receive their gifts. The celebration continues with cakes and goodies being shared among all participants, creating a warm and inclusive environment.
Ramzan
Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. At MNC, Ramzan is celebrated with the same fervor as other festivals. An imam from a nearby mosque is invited to share messages of love and sharing with everyone at the Centre. In the evening, a traditional Ramzan Iftar is served, featuring sweet kheer and thick soup for all mothers and staff. This celebration reinforces the values of compassion and togetherness during this significant time.
Pongal
Pongal, the annual Harvest Festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu, marks the end of winter and the arrival of new crops. At MNC, we have celebrated Pongal for nearly 20 years. Starting in 2023, we are excited to host the festivities outdoors in the front yard.
The celebration begins with children and mothers shopping for essential items such as firewood, a hearth, clay pots, vegetables, rice, and other ingredients needed to prepare Pongal. This hands-on experiential learning experience serves as an engaging way for the children to learn about and celebrate this traditional festival.
On the day of the celebration, children clean the area, draw colorful kolams, and light a hearth with firewood in the front yard. They then cook the Pongal in the clay pots they purchased. Once the dish is ready, it is offered to the Sun God during a small pooja held outside, followed by sharing it with teachers and guests.