St. B’s Multicultural Fair Celebrates India
St. B’s Multicultural Fair is a celebration that many boys and parents look forward to each year. On April 7, 2017, St. B’s boys were transported to India for the annual Multicultural Fair. The day opened with everyone singing a special song at an all-school assembly, Hum Hongay Kaamyaab (We Shall Overcome). The song, followed by a traditional lighting of an oil lamp, set a perfect tone for the day. St. B’s boys shared a video presentation they had made, called Postcards from India. Then everyone enjoyed a variety of dance and martial arts performances. The final Bhangra dance performance energized the boys as they set off to explore the many stations at the fair.
Once inside the fair, boys explored the history, geography, and culture of India. They played the Tabla, tried block printing, and explored ancient Indian temples with the help of Minecraft renderings created by fifth graders. They learned about inventions that had originated in India, balanced matkas on their heads, and played Kabbadi with some guidance from their coaches. Boys could try their hand at a game a carom or dance some Bhangra moves with the dancers from NYC Bhangra. Some boys preferred to learn Kalari martial arts techniques after trying on langoti, loose pants wrapped from a long piece of cotton cloth. St. B’s Community Service Club and Environment Club created an interactive project highlighting clean water issues in India. The boys were also given the challenge of finding particular items throughout the fair. They rose to the occasion and had plenty of fun along the way!
Many boys helped contribute to the artistic displays that debuted at the fair. Third graders painted feathers that joined together to create a fanned-out tail of a peacock. Boys from several grades created leaves for a tree a life that first appeared in the opening assembly and then again in the gym where the fair took place. First graders made rangoli designs, second graders painted kites, and sixth graders drew temporary henna tattoos on themselves to embrace the spirit of the fair.
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to bring this to fruition. Special thanks to the Multicultural Fair committee co-chairs Punya S., Anitha S., and Sonya T., and to Reemah S. for their generosity and guidance. They ensured that every detail was just right! We extend thanks to all of the parent volunteers and to the Parents Association for making this celebration possible. Thanks, also, to St. B’s technology department, Chef Wells and her team, and the facilities department for all of their help, and to all of the teachers who supported the fair through their curriculum.
