Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill, celebrated Deepavali with joy, colour and festive spirit.
The school auditorium came alive with prayer, tradition, music, dance and meaningful messages as students of grades VI A, C and D hosted the celebration.
The programme began with a melodious flute rendition by Shlaghya Jain and Thrapthi Suvarna, who welcomed the chief guest, Nitin Shetty, senior bank manager, Bank of Baroda, Bondel, and other dignitaries.
This was followed by a solemn prayer service, invoking blessings for light, peace and harmony.
Welcome dance and lighting of the lamp
A vibrant welcome dance added colour, followed by the welcome address delivered by Brennan Jensen D'Souza and Suzanne Carol Dalmeida, who welcomed the chief guest, vice principal Sr Jovita, teachers and students.
A highlight was the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the chief guest, vice principal and other dignitaries.
The glowing flames symbolised the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and goodness over negativity.
Aryan G Rao and Reegan Justin Pais spoke on the significance of Deepavali, highlighting its cultural and traditional importance.
Dance, skit and song
The stage came alive with a colourful group dance by the girls.
A meaningful skit conveyed the message that festivals are opportunities to practise kindness, compassion, peace and unity.
A melodious group song and an energetic group dance by the boys further enlivened the atmosphere.
The performances added colour and energy to the celebration.
Messages on human warmth and values
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Nitin Shetty said technology, despite its many benefits, can never replace the warmth of human touch and genuine relationships, and encouraged students to spread smiles and show compassion towards the less fortunate.
Vice principal Sr Jovita urged students to uphold the values symbolised by the festival of lights and, through a story, explained how a lamp dispels darkness and compared students to beacons of light.
As the programme drew to a close, Vihaan Jaden Sequeira and Rithvik P Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was compered by Vihaan Ballal, Aadya G Rao, Liana Evangeline, Ethan Sequeira, Aurik Rego, Rowena Godwin, Sudhanva B R and Gian Oliver D'Silva.
The celebration concluded with a message encouraging everyone to keep the light of Deepavali glowing in their hearts throughout the year and to celebrate a safe, green and eco-friendly festival.
The celebration was reported on 8 November 2026 at 1.27 pm.
