Avlingi Village Keeps Traditional Dasara Celebrations Alive..

At a time when many traditional customs and cultural practices are gradually disappearing, JBT Educational Institution in Avlingi village of Saravakota mandal in Srikakulam district is making efforts to preserve an old Dasara tradition. For the past several years, the institution has been organising a special children's celebration to introduce younger generations to rural customs once followed during the Dasara festivities. The initiative helps children learn about their cultural heritage through participation rather than simply hearing about it.

In the past, on the Moola Nakshatram day during the Dasara festivities, people would perform Saraswati Puja at schools. Afterwards, teachers and students would visit homes across the village, carrying decorated bows made with leaves and flowers and singing traditional folk songs. Residents would offer children items such as flattened rice, jaggery and green gram. Teachers would also receive vegetables, leafy greens and rice grown by local families. Over time, these practices faded away. JBT Educational Institution has revived the custom by involving children and teachers in preparing traditional bows and visiting households to sing the old songs and accept sweets and small gifts. School organiser Mohan Gandhi said the initiative aims to help children connect with their roots and encourages other schools to teach cultural traditions, while reducing children's dependence on television and mobile phones.