Munish Sood
Mandi
Students of DAV Centenary Public School, Jawahar Nagar, took out a colourful Vedic procession through the heart of Mandi on Saturday, marking the culmination of the week-long Vedic Week celebrations organised on the occasion of Shravani Parv.
The procession, which began from Paddal ground around 11.30 am, passed through Standard Hotel, Gandhi Chowk, Bhootnath Bazaar and other prominent markets before concluding at Seri Manch. The students used the procession to showcase Vedic traditions and convey messages on moral values, Indian culture and the need for a drug-free society.
Four students carrying the four Vedas led the procession, followed by students carrying banners on “Vedas, Values and Culture”, a music troupe, dance group and members of the school and Arya Samaj. Vedic chants, devotional songs and slogans added to the festive atmosphere as the procession moved through the town.
Two elaborately decorated tableaux were among the major attractions. One depicted a Vedic yajna, with students performing the ritual and a child dressed as Swami Dayanand Saraswati. The other portrayed Mahatma Hansraj imparting education to children outside a traditional hut, highlighting the educational legacy associated with DAV institutions.
A 30-member Veda Prachar group, children dressed in different characters and students carrying placards promoting a drug-free society also participated in the procession. Children carrying Om flags further added a distinct Vedic character to the event.
Mayor of Mandi Municipal Corporation Suman Thakur, Deputy Mayor Jitender Sharma, councillors Rajni and Krishna, Arya Samaj Mandi president Mahesh Bahl, Acharya Ved Mitra Shastri and members of the Arya Samaj executive committee were among those who participated. DAV Ner Chowk principal Prashant, LMC members Gaurav Marwah and Dr D.K. Arora, teachers, parents and other members of the community also joined the procession.
The procession concluded at Seri Manch, where the school organised a kheer bhandara as Rishi Prasad. The participating dignitaries were subsequently felicitated by the school administration.
Principal K.S. Guleria said the Vedic Week was aimed at inculcating moral values, discipline, spirituality and social responsibility among students while familiarising them with India’s cultural heritage. He said the school would continue to use such activities to promote social harmony, national values and awareness against substance abuse.
