Grand festivities welcome students' return to school after annual vacations

Mangaluru/Udupi: After a one-and-a-half-month summer vacation, students in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts returned to school on Friday with much enthusiasm. The academic year 2024-25 commenced with festive celebrations across schools, marking a warm welcome for students, especially those enrolling for the first time.

Schools were adorned with green garlands, creating a vibrant atmosphere. New students were greeted with sweets, holy water sprinkling, aarti, and flower offerings.

In Mangaluru’s Mannagudda Government School, students participated in a unique tradition of bringing books to school in a palanquin procession. At Bokkapatna School, teachers initiated students into literacy by having them write with rice. Uniforms and books were distributed to students in all schools.

A special treat of “payasam” was served along with the midday meal, and some schools also offered sweets and ice cream to the children.

Due to the enforcement of the election code of conduct, public representatives were absent from the inauguration ceremonies. However, Dakshina Kannada D.D.P.I. Venkatesh Subraya Patagara and various field education officers participated in the events across different schools.

In Udupi, schools across the district celebrated the start of the new academic year with similar enthusiasm. Green garlands adorned the school premises, and students were welcomed with roses and flower showers. Children enjoyed free playtime in the playgrounds, and sweets were distributed in many schools. The midday meal was complemented with a serving of payasam.

K. Ganapathi, Deputy Director of the District Education and Literacy Department, visited various schools to inspect the arrangements and oversee the first day’s programs. Public representatives also visited schools, distributing sweets to students, ensuring the celebrations were conducted smoothly across the district.

The school inauguration was marked by joy and excitement, setting a positive tone for the new academic year.