Edition 3 - Farmers Market
The Gaudium Gazette
Issue - #3
Wednesday, December 11th
“Giving Global Voice to Local Art” - a short note from our Principal, Sudeshna Chatterjee
This year we celebrated the Farmers Market celebrating folk art, craft, music and dance.
Artisans and craftsmen from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Orissa held a ten days camp at The Gaudium School creating, teaching and displaying their unique work in diverse indigenous artworks such as leather puppet making, batik, kalamkari, cheriyal, golden grass basket weaving, pottery, wood carving, pattachitra art and a few others.
The intricate folk art, that was taught to students as young as 6-7 years, was an awe-inspiring experience.
In a small way, we gave a global voice to the local art through this rural and folk festival.
A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community: Farmers’ Market at The Gaudium School
On the 26th of October, the sprawling campus of The Gaudium School transformed into a lively hub of activity as it hosted its annual Farmers’ Market. Beginning to unveil its enchanting series of displays at 9am to wrapping up the hustle of a day well spent at 4:30pm, the event was a spectacular showcase of talent, creativity, and community spirit, with an underlying mission to support farmers and promote sustainability. The day offered something for everyone—an amalgamation of entertainment, food, and meaningful contributions to society.
Setting the Tone with Festivities
The Farmers’ Market opened with a burst of energy, starting with various live events that set the festive mood for all its visitors, including Dandiya and Garba dances that brought a traditional touch to the morning and continued for the entirety of the day. The rhythmic clinking of sticks and the dancers’ vibrant attire created an ambiance of celebration, setting the perfect tone for the day. Adding to the entertainment, a live band performed a diverse repertoire of songs, captivating the audience with their music and infusing the air with joy.
The highlight of the cultural performances was the series of skits presented by the Middle Years Programme (MYP) students, inspired by the theme of Dasavatharam. This concept, deeply rooted in Indian mythology, refers to the ten divine incarnations of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the evolution of life and the preservation of the cosmos. Each skit masterfully narrated these timeless stories, blending drama, humor, and mythology to captivate the audience. From the grandeur of Matsya, the fish incarnation, to the valor of Rama with a bewitching re-enactment of the Ramayana, and the wisdom of Krishna, the performances brought these ancient tales to life, leaving the audience spellbound.
A Culinary Adventure
Food enthusiasts were in for a treat at the Farmers’ Market. The live food counters offered a culinary extravaganza, featuring an extensive range of Indian and continental dishes. Early risers indulged in sumptuous breakfast options, while the midday crowd feasted on delicacies such as but not limited to chole bhature, spicy and tangy chaats, and the ever-popular pani puri.
Alongside the food stalls organized by teachers and students were the food courts organized by vendors, ranging across a wide variety of snacks and delicacies. The potato twisters offering a crunchy explosion of flavours and the chocolate fountain with cotton candy were crowd favorites, especially among the younger population. Alongside the snacks, visitors were also provided with mouthwatering chinese and continental lunch options. For those seeking refreshing beverages, stalls offered cooling buttermilk, zesty lemonade, and other thirst-quenching options. The culinary diversity ensured that every palate was satisfied, making the market a paradise for food lovers.
Immersive Activities and Creative Pursuits
The market was not just about food and entertainment—it was a playground for creativity and interaction. Visitors thronged the game zone, which featured engaging activities such as knock the glasses, cricket, basketball, and space-themed board games. These attractions were popular among children and adults alike, fostering a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
Art and craft enthusiasts found their haven at the creative stalls. Guests could paint their own pictures or DIY their very own t;shirts, design and craft their own bracelets, or choose from a range of pre-made bracelets and accessories.
Particularly noteworthy were the art stalls featuring exquisite 3D murals and sculptures created by MYP and DP students, headed by art teacher Mr. Debendra Kumar Sahoo. These pieces, centered on the theme of Dasavatharam, demonstrated the artistic talent and dedication of the students, leaving a lasting impression on all who viewed them.
The mehendi and face-painting stalls were a favorite among visitors, with students offering intricate designs for hands and faces. These stalls showcased the creativity and artistic flair of the young organizers, adding a personal touch to the event.
Supporting Farmers and Sustainability
True to its name, the Farmers’ Market dedicated a prominent space at the entrance to fresh produce stalls. Visitors could purchase a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, directly supporting local farmers. This initiative not only provided high-quality, farm-fresh goods but also reinforced the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition to produce, the market featured plant stalls, encouraging guests to adopt greener habits and contribute to a cleaner environment. This thoughtful addition emphasized the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
A Cause Worth Supporting
The overarching purpose of the Farmers’ Market was to support the farming community, and all funds raised during the event were directed toward the cause. By purchasing goods and participating in activities, attendees contributed to a collective effort to uplift farmers and recognize their invaluable role in society.
This altruistic mission added depth to the festivities, reminding everyone of the importance of giving back to the community. The market was not just an event but a movement, bringing together students, parents, and visitors to champion a cause that resonates deeply with everyone.
Ananya Yalavarthi, IBDP-2C
Football Match
Rush FC vs BB FC
On a crisp sunny afternoon, a thrilling 7v7 football match occurred at the Farmers Market. Featuring an exciting clash between Rush FC and Banging Boys FC. The match, pitting the 11th and 12th graders against the 9th and 10th graders was an astonishing performance for players and audience alike.
The playing conditions were perfect, with clear skies and a gentle breeze, setting the stage for a competitive game. Both teams played well in the first half, with excellent defense on display, and neither team managed to score. The first 15 minutes showcased strong teamwork, skillful passes, and a few near misses, but the score remained 0-0 as the players headed into halftime.
As the second half began, the intensity picked up. Rush FC, showing determination, broke the deadlock with a well-executed goal, giving them the lead. The Banging Boys FC fought hard to equalize, creating several opportunities, but the defense of Rush FC held firm, and the game continued to be a battle until the final whistle.
With both teams playing their hearts out and the crowd cheering from the sidelines, Rush FC emerged victorious, claiming a hard-earned 1-0 victory. It was a well-played match, and both teams displayed impressive sportsmanship.
- Abhinav Mishra Grade 12, CBSE
Wall-to-Wall
The Wall-to-Wall CAS initiative by Hritvi Chauhan and Avni Bhandari was taken one step further by volunteering to set up a CAS stall during our school Farmers Market event on October 26th in which they could educate parents and school children about the initiative, allowing kids to indulge in tribal Warli art at our paint station. I created samples for children to follow and told them about our efforts to make learning environments more colorful. We hope to continue this activity in the future by visiting more schools and rural areas to spread awareness and add a pop of color to their walls!
- Hritvi Chauhan, IBDP 2- B
Arose NPO
At the farmers’ market, we set up a stall selling handmade Halloween décor and custom bracelets, which delighted many happy customers. The festive vibe boosted our sales, and we made a great profit, turning creativity and teamwork into a rewarding experience!
- Arose Team
Scary House
The farmer’s market is a fun packed event held every year to support the farmers community. One of the highlights of the event is the haunted house experience that is solely conceived and designed by the students. The visitors of all ages were amazed at the creativity and the eerie attraction.
With dark lighting, scary sound effects, and strategically positioned jump scares, it was an immersive experience for visitors. The layout was like a maze and kept everybody on their toes, resulting in a fun-fear balance for kids and adults.
Comments
Post a Comment