SPK Jain Futuristic Academy Brings Janmashtami Traditions into the School Experience through Student-Led Handi Phodo

From teamwork and coordination to cultural awareness, SPK Jain Futuristic Academy used its Janmashtami celebrations to give students a first-hand experience of one of India’s enduring festive traditions. The Academy organised a traditional Handi Phodo activity with participation from both junior and senior students, along with a special skit portraying the birth and life of Lord Krishna, creating an interactive setting where cultural learning was closely integrated with participation and collective engagement.

The initiative was designed to introduce students to the cultural significance of Janmashtami through experiences that went beyond conventional classroom learning. The skit offered students an opportunity to creatively present key episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, bringing stories from Indian tradition to life through performance. With students coming together across age groups, the Handi Phodo activity further encouraged collaboration, coordination and team spirit while allowing them to participate in a tradition associated with the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth.

Dr. Jayeeta Ganguly, Principal of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy, said, “Cultural education becomes more meaningful when children are given the opportunity to experience traditions rather than simply learn about them. Through our Janmashtami celebration, we wanted our students to understand the values of togetherness, cooperation and participation that are embedded within our festivals. The skit and traditional activities allowed them to engage with these stories and traditions creatively, making the learning joyful, meaningful and memorable.”

The participation of students from different age groups also added a strong element of peer interaction to the celebration. While the younger students experienced the traditions in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, the involvement of senior students encouraged greater responsibility, coordination and collective participation. The skit additionally provided students with a platform to express themselves through storytelling and performance while exploring an important part of India’s cultural narrative.

At SPK Jain Futuristic Academy, such cultural engagements form part of a broader approach towards holistic and experiential education. Traditional celebrations are viewed as opportunities to develop social and interpersonal skills while helping students understand the cultural practices and values that have shaped Indian society. The Janmashtami celebration thus brought together culture, creativity, participation and experiential learning, giving students an opportunity to celebrate their heritage while developing a deeper appreciation of the traditions associated with one of India’s most widely observed festivals.