The ‘Makara Saṅkrānti Special Parijñā Activity Workshop’ at Goregaon Sabha on 10th January 2026 (Report by Vibha Kailaje Shirali and Veda Kailaje, with inputs from Dhanashri Ubhayakar)
Report by Vibha Kailaje Shirali and Veda Kailaje, with inputs from Dhanashri Ubhayakar
What began as an informal brainstorming discussion which led into the planning of a structured workshop! A dedicated WhatsApp group was formed for better coordination and planning.
Parijñā Workshop poster designedby Dhanashrī Ubhayakar
The Prārthanā Varga teachers from Goregāon and Borivalī sabhā, along with Chetanā Kaḍl e pāchī, thoughtfully conceptualised and designed a Parijñā Activity Workshop for children below 15 years.
A visually appealing poster, designed by Dhanashrī Ubhayakar pāchī, beautifully captured the spirit of the event. The programme was promoted through word of mouth and by circulating the poster across various WhatsApp groups. Registrations soon followed from enthusiastic children, setting the stage for a vibrant and well-participated workshop. Sharmilā Nāgarkaṭṭī, Sañjanā Kalyāṇpur, Nāgānand Kailāje mām, Raghunandan Koppīkar mām, Maṅgalā Nāgarkaṭṭī pāchī, Shivānī Koppīkar, Manīs͟hā Gersappā and Poonam Kalyāṇpur pāchī extended their support to the team as volunteers.
The workshop was conducted on 10th January 2026 at Masurāshram, Goregāon East - Mumbaī.
The Utsava Activity Workshop was thoughtfully designed as an interactive and engaging session for children, with the aim of introducing them to the cultural significance of Makara Saṅkrānti and Mahāshivarātri through stories, music, crafts, and hands-on activities. The venue was beautifully decorated with kites to celebrate Makara Saṅkrānti. We had a good response - around 23 children had enrolled for the workshop.
To ensure better interaction and involvement, children were divided into themed groups:
Each group consisted of children across varied age ranges, encouraging learning, cooperation, and bonding. This enriching workshop was an initiative led by Dhanashrī Ubhayakar pāchī, whose vision was to blend learning with joy while nurturing cultural awareness amongst young participants. Shruti Baljekar pāchī handcrafted beautiful bookmarks and badges for all the participants and volunteers.
Dīpaprajvālana & Sabhā Prārambha Prārthanā
The workshop began on an auspicious note with Dīpaprajvālana led by Rāishes͟ha Nāgarkaṭṭī mām, Chetanā Kaḍl̃e pāchī, Varadā Soukoor pāchī and senior members, setting a serene and positive tone for the evening. This was followed by Sabhā Prārambha Prārthanā by the Prārthanā Varga children.
Rāishes͟ha Nāgarkaṭṭī mām formally welcomed the gathering and introduced Chetanā Kaḍl̃e pāchī, after which Varadā Soukoor pāchī provided an overview of the workshop, its objectives, and the flow of activities. The introductory session helped create a comfortable and inclusive environment for both organisers and participants
Story Session & Quiz
A highlight of the workshop was the story session on Makara Saṅkrānti, written and narrated engagingly with the help of puppets created by Dhanashrī pāchī. The storytelling was age-appropriate and interactive, helping children understand the cultural and seasonal relevance of the festival. This was followed by a quiz session conducted by Yuvā-s Praṇav Nāgarkaṭṭī and Yash Kalyāṇpur, encouraging participation, quick thinking, and teamwork amongst the children.
Towards the end, a story session on Bhagawān Shiva from Shivasāyujyam book was conducted by Gauritā Sashital pāchī, introducing children to spiritual concepts in a simple and relatable manner. An interactive quiz sesson was carried out by yuvā-s Vibhā Shirālī, Vedā Kailāje and Nehā Gersappā in which children enjoyed answering the quiz questions with utmost joy.
The workshop concluded with a bhajan by Gauritā pāchī, followed by Sabhā Samāpti Prārthanā by the Prārthanā Varga children led by Tanay Yennemaḍī, bringing the session to a calm and devotional close.
At the end of this heartwarming day, a Vote of Thanks was delivered by Rāishes͟ha Nāgarkaṭṭī mām, along with an introduction to the sponsors.
Saṁvit Sudhā goodie bags containing the Utsava Activity Book were distributed to all participants by the sponsors, along with food boxes. Snacks and refreshments were provided to all as part of the closing arrangements.
The Utsava Activity Workshop was a joyful, meaningful, and well-coordinated event that successfully combined culture, creativity, spirituality, and fun. The enthusiastic participation of children, dedicated efforts of volunteers, and thoughtful planning made the workshop a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Goregāon sabhā thanks the Saṁvit Sudhā volunteers - Sonālī Dhāreshwar pāchī and Poonam Kel̃kar pāchī for setting up the Saṁvit Sudhā counter that displayed the Parijñā books and other Saṁvit Sudhā products.
It also thanks the generous donations from donors Bal̃wal̃l̃y Shekhar mām, Burḍe Sudhīr mām, Hemmāḍy Prakāsh mām, Kal̃āvar Mahesh mām, Kulkarṇī Satīsh mām, Kumbl̃e Amrutā pāchī, Nāgarkaṭṭī Rāishes͟ha mām, Niroḍī Amey mām and Ul̃maṇ Nitin mām.
The Sabhā also extends its appreciation to Chetanā Kaḍl̃e pāchī for initiating and guiding this wonderful endeavour, and to all volunteers and contributors who ensured its smooth execution.
The workshop was immensely enjoyed by the children and wholeheartedly appreciated by everyone present.
We offer this workshop activity at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Guru H.H. Shrīmat Sadyojāt Shaṅkarāshram Swāmījī, and our Revered Guruparamparā.