Amritayu Anandotsav Gujarat Edition Held at Sunshine Lab
Ahmedabad Children Explore Culture, Stories and Science at Amritayu Anandotsav
Children in Ahmedabad took part in a festival programme that brought together Indian traditions, storytelling, food activities and simple science-based learning during the Gujarat edition of Amritayu Anandotsav at The Sunshine Lab.
The programme was organised by Peacemaker Manashree, who has been associated with Amritayu Anandotsav for 17 years. The Ahmedabad edition was held with the support of The Sunshine Lab and co-host Riddhi Patel during the Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra period.
The event focused on children and sought to introduce them to Indian cultural traditions while giving them opportunities to learn through activities. Children from the Thaltej Mathuranagri area attended the programme along with social educator Rupal Barot.
The organisers used several formats during the evening rather than relying on a conventional cultural programme. Food preparation, storytelling, a bubble show and STEM activities formed the main parts of the session.
One of the activities was a Hanuman-themed saffron cupcake workshop conducted under the guidance of Sushma Lama, an expert associated with the Sunshine Lab Cooking Academy. Children took part in preparing the cupcakes, turning a familiar food activity into part of the festival programme.
Storytelling was another part of the evening. Lawyer and POCSO advocate Anisha Kapoor spoke to the children about Maa Durga, focusing on her bravery and inner strength. The session used a familiar figure from Indian religious tradition to introduce ideas about courage and moral values.
The programme also included an Iridescent Bubble Spectacle, a colourful bubble show that provided a lighter part of the evening. Children were able to watch the changing shapes and colours while taking part in a group entertainment activity.
Science learning was included through STEM Play and Exploration sessions. These activities were designed to encourage children to ask questions, observe what was happening and learn through participation.
The combination of cultural activities and hands-on learning fits with the broader direction of India’s school education policy. The National Education Policy 2020 places importance on experiential learning, including hands-on work, storytelling, arts-based learning and activities connected with Indian culture. The policy also says that cultural awareness can help children develop a sense of identity and belonging.
Government education programmes have also increasingly used activity-based learning. The Ministry of Education’s PRERANA programme in Vadnagar, Gujarat, for example, uses storytelling, local history, regional games, technology and hands-on activities as part of its learning model. The approach reflects a wider effort to move children beyond learning only through textbooks and classroom instruction.
For a city such as Ahmedabad, where children regularly take part in Navratri and other community celebrations, programmes that connect festivals with learning can give families another way to introduce cultural traditions to younger members. The value of such programmes depends on how well activities are planned and whether children are given enough space to participate rather than simply watch.
The Sunshine Lab has previously positioned its children’s spaces around play and learning activities. Its founder, Riddhi Patel, has written about using the space for festival classes, workshops, fitness sessions and other activities for children. Public information about The Sunshine Lab also shows that the venue is used for children’s learning and play programmes in Ahmedabad.
Patel, a social entrepreneur and parenting coach, was involved in the Ahmedabad event as co-host. Her work at The Sunshine Lab includes activities that combine children’s play with learning. The centre has also hosted workshops linked to nature, creativity and practical learning.
The organisers said the Gujarat edition was planned around the wider idea of bringing Indian heritage and modern learning together. The presence of children from the Thaltej Mathuranagri area also gave the programme a community-based character.
Photography from the event was handled by Sharan Delhiwala and Bihag Srinivas. The organisers also acknowledged the support of Jodhpur Art Gallery, AMC, and Amit Barot.
Food and refreshments were provided for the children during the programme.
The Ahmedabad edition of Amritayu Anandotsav therefore placed cultural learning alongside activities that children could see, make, hear and take part in. For families looking for ways to explain festivals to children, the event offered a format in which stories, food, play and simple scientific activities could sit within the same programme.
