Parijna Workshop at Shirali on 3rd February 2026
Report by Tanvi Gaṅgāval̃ī Mallāpur
Nurturing values, devotion, and cultural understanding in young minds is an important step in shaping the future of a community. With this spirit, the Parijñā Workshop for Prārthanā Varga children was organised at the Dhyāna Mandir of Shrī Chitrāpur Mat͟h (SCM), Shirālī on 3rd February 2026, creating a joyful and meaningful space where children learnt about our traditions through stories, creativity, and hands-on activities.
The workshop began with Dīpaprajvālana by Kishore Kumbl̃emām, General Manager – SCM, marking an auspicious start to the gathering. This was followed by the Sabhā Prārambha Prārthanā and the chanting of Shrī Parijñānāshram Trayodashī, setting a serene and devotional tone for the workshop.
Stretching… and jumping… to set the mood!! (with Tanvi pāchī, Dhanyā pāchī and Divyā pāchī)
A total of 17 children attended the workshop, and as requested, at least one parent accompanied each child. This resulted in the encouraging presence of several mothers and one father, whose participation added warmth and support to the activities.
Introduction to the workshop by Tanvi pāchīTo energise the group, Tanvī Gaṅgāval̃ī Mallāpur pāchī, along with Dhanyavathī Kaḍl̃e pāchī and Divyā Shirālī pāchī, began the session with stretching and warm-up exercises, helping the children feel comfortable and engaged.
Tanvī pāchī then introduced the purpose of the workshop to both children and parents, and spoke briefly about the Parijñā books – Utsava, Shivasāyujyam, and Anugraha. She highlighted the value of these books and encouraged families to own and read them regularly, as a way of nurturing cultural and spiritual awareness among children.
An ice-breaker game followed, where the children identified the symbols of Devī Bhavānī and Bhagawān Shaṅkar to form two lively teams. The activity immediately sparked excitement and participation among the young attendees.
Continuing the interactive learning, the children were asked to recall the Devī Bhuvaneshwarī Vardhantī celebration that had taken place at the Mat͟h in the previous week. Building on this, Beenā Savkūr pāchī narrated the story of Devī Bhuvaneshwarī from the book ‘Utsava’, accompanied by a Koṅkaṇī translation so the children could better understand and relate to the narrative.
After another quick round of jumping and stretching, Tanvi pāchī introduced Chitrā Shiroor pāchī, who brought along a beautiful learning experience using flowers found in Shirālī. Together, they showed the children various flowers, explaining their names and significance.
Chitrā pāchī also shared which flowers are traditionally offered to different deities. The children enthusiastically identified sacred offerings such as Bel leaves, Tulasī, and Dūrvā, along with the deities to whom they are offered.
Storytelling by Beenā pāchīThe workshop then moved into a hands-on segment, with the children divided into two groups based on age.
"Tell me which flower is for which deity?"
Making As͟hṭa Pus͟hpa for offering during Shrī Shiva Pūjana
The senior children learned two techniques of phūla gāntchĕ (garland making) from Chitrā Shiroor pāchī. She also introduced them to the As͟hṭa Pus͟hpa offered during Shrī Shiva Pūjana.
The children were guided on how to select evenly sized flowers and handle them delicately while weaving them into a garland, using thread and needle.
The younger children, meanwhile, participated in a creative activity where they were given ‘pal̃eru-s’ with a Shivaliṅga, Swastika or Oṁ drawn in each. With the help of their mothers, they filled these symbols with flower petals to create colourful floral raṅgolī-s.
The Art of Garland weaving!!Once the raṅgolī activity was completed, the younger children made ‘Thank You’ cards to offer to H.H. Shrīmat Sadyojāt Shaṅkarāshram Swāmījī. The senior children remained deeply engrossed in the garland-making activity, showing such keen interest that some of the games planned for later had to be postponed. They were also given blank cards to draw and present later in the week to H.H. Swāmījī on the occasion of Paṭṭābhis͟heka Vardhantī.
The workshop concluded with a delightful snack for the children that included cheese sandwiches, lemon cupcakes baked by Ashwinī Haridās pāchī, Oreo biscuits, mango tetrapack juice, and mini-Cadbury chocolates. The cupcakes were particularly exciting as the children were given icing, gems, and sprinkles to decorate them creatively.
Before leaving, each child received an ‘Utsava Activity Book’ as a gift. These books were sponsored by Vinay Ārūr mām and family. Parents were also encouraged to purchase the ‘Utsava’ book from the Saṁvit Sudhā store to complement the activity book and continue the learning journey at home.
The children whole-heartedly enjoyed the snacks which were served at the end of the session. The cheese sandwiches were sponsored by Tanvī pāchī and made by all the Prārthanā Varga teachers. The ‘Gems’ packets were sponsored by Divyā Shirālī pāchī. Beenā Savkūr pāchī sponsored the cupcakes, ‘Oreo’ biscuits, ‘Cadbury chocolates’, ‘Frooti’ mango drink and flowers for the floral activities.
The children departed with bright smiles and cheerful energy, sharing how much they had enjoyed the workshop and expressing their eagerness to attend more such activities in the future.
Blending devotion, creativity, and joyful learning, the workshop offered children a memorable opportunity to experience tradition in a lively and meaningful way within the sacred environment of Shrī Chitrāpur Mat͟h, Shirālī.
Teachers present-
1. Tanvī Gaṅgāvalī Mallāpur pāchī - Shirālī Prārthanā Varga
2. Dhanyavathī Kaḍl̃e pāchī -Shirālī Prārthanā Varga
3. Divyā Shirālī pāchī - Shirālī Prārthanā Varga
4. Beenā Savkūr pāchī - Beṅgal̃ūru Prārthanā Varga