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On December 21, 2024, SJBHS was transformed -- the entire campus had become a vibrant, picturesque, colourful village. From the banners, canopy and artifacts at the front gate to the music and dance to the ethnic attire of the staff and students, ‘Namma Halli Habba’ looked resplendent. The city dwellers were enthralled with the idea of returning to their roots!

There was a representation of a number of tribes of Karnataka, a parade of the dancers in their regal costumes, a display of the different artistes with their props, whether it be stilts or the various head dress – it was majestic in appearance as well as in grandeur. The procession included the people and cattle brought from near and distant villages of the State. The Chief Guest Mr. Ravi D Channannanavar IPS was escorted by the Principal Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, Vice Principal Mr. Brian McKertish, Primary School Administrator Fr Norwin Pereira SJ and the OBA and PTA representatives.

The opening ceremony commenced with an invocation song and the lighting of the lamp. Fr Sunil welcomed the gathering. The principal invited the audience to celebrate the rural fest wholeheartedly. The Chief Guest quoted Aristotle by saying that “Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” Mr Ravi spoke about his village, the food, dances, dress and culture while re-iterating the fact that the real growth of Karnataka lies in empowering the villagers. Grameena Utsava was declared open after a display of Yakshagana by the staff.

The fair had a mix of merchandise being sold, game stalls and the exhibition of village art and craft. The games for the students included Pagade, Chowka Bara, Parampada, Ali Guli Mane, Kunte Bille, Sallu Mane Aata, Ashta Paada, Naaku Kallu Aata and Breaking the Pot. The village craft stalls encouraged the students to try their hand at pottery, bamboo, jute and wood craft. The selfie zone had its own props to attract the guests. The beauty of the fair was its cultural undertones that incorporated ecofriendly vibes.

The cultural part of the fair took centre stage with a plethora of dances like Mallakamba, Pooja Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale, Veerabhadra Kunitha, Chilipili Gombe, Chande Mela, Maragaalu, Keelu Kudure, Goravara Kunitha, Haalakki Kunitha, Yakshagaana, Pata Kunitha, Somana Kunitha, Lambani Kunitha to name a few.

The day went by at a rapid pace and it was time for the closing ceremony. The Chief Guests, Sri Kaviraj, Kannada Film Lyricist; and Sri Virat, Sandalwood Actor, drew the crowds towards the dais as they promoted their upcoming film. Later it was time for the staff and students to shine as they walked the ramp in ethnic attire, enthralling the crowd with their dances and performances.

The pulsating music, the pounding drum beats, the animals in their enclosures, the aroma of heart-warming food, the rustic cuisines and the sights and sounds of rural games and art work filled the mind with a simple life.