Sangam World Centre

50th

Birthday

50 activities for 50 years

1966 to 2016

Sangam’s 50th

Birthday Activities Pack

Celebrating Tradition – Creating Impact - Changing Tomorrow

Sangam celebrates her 50th

Birthday on October 16th

2016.

Sangam World Centre is a place that has been ever changing and evolving,

whilst inspiring change in those who visit. These 50 activities are designed

to celebrate what Sangam has to offer, to challenge creativity and to inspire

change in both individuals and communities. Think about how each activity

links to the birthday theme – Celebrate, Create, Change and enjoy being

part of #Sangam50!

We have included some websites but you will be able to find many more on

your own that will assist you with completing the activities. There are also a

number of information pages at the end of the activity pack. They are all full

of helpful information which may help when choosing your activities.

When you complete a minimum of 4 activities, including 1 birthday specific

activity, you qualify for a virtual birthday badge which you can download from

Sangam’s website. Here: https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-

world/world-centres/sangam/50th-birthday/

Enjoy the activities!

1) During programmes at Sangam, participants learn Hindi words, such

as hello and goodbye. See how many words and phrases you can learn.

Check the information pages at the end of this resource for some helpful

words. Make up an activity using the words. This could be a game of

memory or similar. You could also use the words while doing some of the

other activities in this resource.

2) Make some crafts based on elephants, tigers or peacocks, all

animals and birds associated with India – e.g. origami elephant or tiger;

paper plate decorated as a tiger face; peacock, made with hands & arm

traced on paper or fabric; make an elephant from recycled material such as

a 2 litre plastic milk bottle. www.girlguidingsurreyeast.org.uk/c-

elephant.html and www.activityvillage.co.uk/india-crafts

3) Have a go at the Sangam Quiz. Which Six/Patrol/Unit will

win? (Information page: Quick Quiz)

4) Try fabric block printing – find pictures of Sari or Punjabi designs which

have been block printed. Get some ideas, create blocks with your own design

using potato, sponge, wood etc and try printing on paper or fabric.

https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/block-print-fabric/

5) Make a friendship bracelet using auspicious colours in India (red and

orange) or those of an Indian flag (green white and orange). Give it to a

friend on Sangam’s birthday.

6) Tie dye something in Indian colours – wear it to celebrate Sangam’s

birthday or the Indian festival of Holi. (Information page: Festivals,

celebrations and ceremonies)

7) Make a collage using a variety of colourful scraps of materials. Use

Sangam’s 50th

Birthday or the birthday logo as your theme.

https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/about-

sangam/50th-birthday/ 8) A bindi (from Sanskrit bindu, meaning ‘point, drop, dot or small particle’)

is a mark or dot worn on the centre of the forehead, commonly by Hindu and Jain women. Design your own Sangam 50

th Birthday Bindi, then make it

and wear it on the day or an Indian evening.

9) Design a virtual birthday card for Sangam’s 50th

Birthday. Send

it to Sangam: info@sangamworldcentre.org

10) Take a photo or video of you celebrating Sangam’s 50th

Birthday and

share it on social media. Don’t forget to ‘check in’ to SangamWorldCentre

when you post your photo on Facebook.

11) Watch Sangelee’s tour of Sangam on YouTube and learn why

education is so important for girls around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRA5l7t2KuM

12) When a birthday is celebrated at Sangam, it is traditional to sing Happy

Birthday and make as loud a noise as possible by banging pots, pans, gongs and

instruments. Make a selection of musical instruments and make as much noise

as you can as you sing happy birthday to Sangam on 16th

October. Take a photo

or a video clip of you celebrating and share it with Sangam and other members

of WAGGGs using social media, You Tube etc. (Information page:

Homemade percussion instruments)

13) Make preparations for a visit to Sangam – include lots of ideas, e.g.

What will the weather be like? What sort of clothes to pack? What currency

is used in India and what is it equal to in your currency? How do you get a

passport and visa?

14) Hindu Gods and Goddesses are always shown in a great deal of

colour. Print and colour some pictures of your choice of Hindu Gods or

Goddesses, e.g. Lakshmi, Shiva and Ganesh. Find out about your choice

and share what you find out with members of your unit.

http://www.sanatansociety.org/Hindu_kids_corner/hindu_kids_coloring_pages

.htm#.VyOm-3n2Zdg

15) The main religion of India is Hinduism. Read some of the stories about the

Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Tell or read your favourite story to your friends. You

could also look on YouTube and see if any of the stories have been animated for

children. http://www.hindukidsworld.org/index.php/en/sweet-divine-stories

16) How much do you know about elephants? Have a go at the Elephant

Quiz in the information pages. Place different images of elephants around

or outside your meeting place. Find out about the S.O.S. Wildlife

Sanctuary for Elephants and bears near Agra in India. You can search for

information about S.O.S. on the internet.

17) Tea is one of the most popular drinks in India. Try different varieties of

tea – Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Assam. Find a recipe for making Chai – milky,

spicy, sweet Indian tea. Enjoy it! http://www.chai-tea.org/rec/rec102.html

18) Many Indians are vegetarian. Plan and eat a vegetarian meal if you

are not already vegetarian! There are many recipes available on the

internet and Sangam has a new cook book for sale if you know someone

who is visiting soon!

19) See if you can make and try a variety of Indian snacks. Aloo chat,

bhel puri, pav bhaji etc.

20) Try Mehendi on your hands or feet. You can buy Mehendi

powder or paste, but you can also use brown eyeliner pencil, which

washes off more easily.

(Information page: Mehendi Art)

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-and-easy-mehndi-designs-

that-you-can-do-by-yourself/

Or you could make mehendi pattern biscuits. Use brown icing for the mehendi!

21) Try Hindu Snakes and Ladders.

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/education/games/Snakes&LaddersGameBoar

d.pdf

22) Find out how old you have to be to Volunteer at Sangam and

what Volunteers get to do. https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-

world/world-centres/sangam/volunteer/sangam-volunteer/

23) Listen to some traditional Indian music. Find out more about the

musical instruments used in India. Is there someone local you could invite

to your meeting to share their musical expertise and instruments?

(Information page: Homemade percussion instruments.

24) Arrange a Sangam Birthday party to share the celebrations with Girl

Guiding and Girl Scouting friends.

25) Check the Sangam wish list and find out what you could give

Sangam for a birthday present. https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-

world/world-centres/sangam/support-us/wish-list/

26) Find out about Sangam’s Community Partners – Door Step School,

Anand Gram, Muslim Girls Orphanage, Deep Griha, Maher, Mobile

Crèche etc. Get inspired! Are there any similar organisations in your

community? What can you do to bring about change?

27) Find out more about the Sangam Community Programme. Is there

anyone in your area who has been to Sangam as a Tare? Why not meet

with them and learn all about their experience.

https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-

centres/sangam/volunteer/community-programme/

28) It can be very hot and sunny at Sangam and solar cookers use

renewable energy. Find out about solar cookers. Can you make and use

one? (Information pages: Solar Cooking and Steps to Cooking with Sun)

29) Help spread the word and become a friend of Sangam on Facebook. Also

find Friends of Sangam on Facebook. Like Sangam World Centre on Instagram.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter! You can also sign up

to the Sangam newsletter to receive regular updates about Sangam.

Sangam World Centre Facebook

Sangam World Centre Instagram

30) Arrange a fundraiser for Sangam. Perhaps you could put on an

Indian evening. Ask your International Adviser (or similar) if she can put

you in touch with someone who could help. (Information page: Creating

an Indian atmosphere) You can make a general donation or a donation to

the Sangam Sisterhood Scholarship Fund here:

https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/support-us/

31) Plan a trip to Pune – home of Sangam. Choose 5 top places to visit

and find out what you would see at each place. Did you know that Ghandi

was put in prison in Pune? Could you visit the place where he was?

32) Discover what events are taking place at Sangam in the future.

Which event(s) would you like to go to and why?

https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/events/

33) Have an Indian fashion night. There may be people in your area who

can lend you both saris and Punjabi suits and teach you how to tie a sari.

(Information page: How to Tie a Sari)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxyyplADV5o

34) Taste and smell some herbs and spices, such as turmeric, cumin,

coriander, curry leaves, ginger, fennel, chilli, garam masala. Maybe

you would like to do this wearing a covering over your eyes and

play a guessing game?

35) Make or buy and try different Indian breads, such as chapatti,

naan, roti and paratha.

36) Try some Indian sweet treats, such as barfi, halva, jelabi.

37) Try to make the typical Indian drink called lassi. Find a recipe and

make one - or more - of the versions of this drink. You can use

bananas, mangoes etc. Share your drinks with friends.

38) Watch a Bollywood movie – or part of it. Design your own

Bollywood dance routine and share it with Sangam.

39) Learn how to do a dandia dance, using sticks. See if you can

find out why this dance is so popular in India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1e_imxJgww

40) Have a chapatti rolling competition. Can you make them round?

Who can make them into the shapes of what countries? Enjoy

eating them when you have chosen the winners!

41) Create Warli art, either on your own, or, if you want to make the

circle of life, as a patrol/group/unit.

http://artsycraftsymom.com/warli-for-kids/

42) Rangoli patterns are often made outside Indian homes as a sign of

welcome, particularly during festivals. Find some rangoli patterns and

make your own patterns using sand, chalk or rice. To colour rice, use

vinegar and food colouring. The vinegar sets the food colouring.

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/rangoli (Information: page Rangoli)

43) At events at Sangam, it is possible to start each day with a session of

yoga. Invite someone to lead you in a yoga session, follow a DVD of a

yoga session or look on YouTube. (Information page: Yoga for Kids)

44) Before breakfast during events, participants and staff have a short

flag ceremony and reflection to start the day. They also include a

Hindi word of the day. Plan and conduct your own flag ceremony.

(Information page: An International Flag Raising Ceremony)

45) Sangam has seen many changes in the lives of people who visit and in

the local community over the past 50 years. What can you do to make a

change or a challenge for yourself, your unit or your community this year?

Can you try meditating or yoga? Can you adopt an area of roadside and

keep it clear of litter?

46) Find some Mandalas on paper and enjoy some time in mindful

colouring. Find out where mandalas traditionally come from. (Information

page: Mandala) http://www.whats-your-sign.com/meaning-of-mandala.html

47) There are many Mango trees on Sangam’s grounds and each year Sangam

makes pickle and jam from these mangoes for guests to eat all throughout the

season.

Find as many delicious recipes as you can for the use of mangos. Have a mango

party with your friends.

48) Sangam’s colours are purple and yellow – try dressing up in these

two colours for a day. Share your photos on social media.

49) Write and compose a song about Sangam. Share it with Sangam. You

could also sing one of the Sangam Songs that has been written over the years. Two can be found on Sangam’s website here:

https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/50th-

birthday/ and here: https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-

centres/sangam/about-sangam/sangam-history/sangam-song/

50) Enlarge the 50th

Birthday or Sangelee logo which you can find on Sangam’s website. Can you fill the logo with coins? Use the money you collect

to send a donation to Sangam. You can find the donation links in challenge 29.

Hindi and Marathi Words

Sangam World Centre is in Pune. The children who are educated in Pune,

learn Hindi (one of the National language) and Marathi which is the

language of the state of Maharashtra, where the city of Pune is situated.

The numbers and colour below will enable you to play a variety of games,

such as Fruit Salad.

NUMBERS

English Hindi Marathi

One (1) Ek Ek

Two (2) Do Don

Three (3) Teen Teen

Four (4) Char Chaar

Five (5) Panch Paach

Six (6) Che Sahaa

Seven (7) Sat Saat

Eight (8) Arth Aarth

Nine (9) Nou Nau

Ten (10) Das Dahaa

COLOURS

English Hindi Marathi

Red Lal Laal

Orange Narangi Kesari

Yellow Pila Pivlaa

Green Hara Hirvaa

Blue Nila Nilaa

Pink Gulabi Gulabhi

Purpla Jamuni Jaambhlaa

Brown Chocklati Kattha

White Safed Paandhraa

Black Kala Kaalaa

Quick Quiz

1) What well-known symbol is the Sangam symbol based on?

2) What does the word ‘Sangam’ describe in Sanskrit?

3) What is the name of Sangam’s mascot?

4) What species of animal is she?

5) What year did construction of Sangam begin?

6) When did Lady Baden-Powell officially open Sangam? 7) Is Sangam the oldest World Centre? 8) Who was the first Guider in charge at Sangam? 9) Which months of the year are events not planned for at Sangam,

and why?

10) What is the name of Sangam’s Community Programme? 11) What is the name of the city that Sangam is located in? 12) Which State is this city situated in?

13) Is this the 1St

, 2Nd

, or 3Rd

largest state in India? 14) Which particular festival is celebrated in this State? 15) India was the birthplace of which two religions? 16) Girl Guides in India belong to which organization? 17) What does the acronym ‘FOS’ stand for? 18) True or False. You have to attended an event at Sangam to belong

to a FOS Group?

19) True or False. You have to live in the country of the FOS Group you join.

You will find the answers in the following information.

See what you know before you look.

WAGGGS World Centres are safe places for youth and adult members and non members come together to share experiences as well as culture and traditions of their home lands.

Sangam, situated in Pune, India, was the fourth World Centre of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to open its doors – it opened in 1966.

The Sangam Symbol is based on the Chinese Yin/Yan which represents balance and harmony in the universe. It illustrates a continuous and constant ‘coming together’.

In Sanskrit, the word Sangam describes ‘the place where rivers meet’, the Mula and the Murtha Rivers are not far from Sangam. SymbolicallySangam also means, ‘coming together’ - WAGGGS members from all over the world come together to experience Sangam.

Sangams’s mascot is Sangelee, a combination of the name Sangam and elephant. She was christened at the World Conference in Dublin in 1999.

Construction of Sangam began in 1964 and Lady Baden-Powell officially opened Sangam on the 16th October 1966.

The first Guider in Charge at Sangam was Anu Karkare. She started her role in 1964 and from then she was able to watch the construction progress.

The months of April and May are the hottest months of the summer season and for this reason, events are not planned for at Sangam during this time.

Sangam offers truly rewarding opportunities for everyone to participate in volunteering with the local community. The TARE Programme is a popular choice by WAGGGS members and non members alike. Men are also welcome and age is no barrier. 18+

Maharashtra, where Pune is situated, is the 3rd largest state in India. Maharashtra is where the festival of GANESH is celebrated. India has a great diversity of religions and it is the birthplace of

Hinduism and Buddhism. Hindus regard their faith as a ‘way of life’ rather than a religion.

Guides in India belong to the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Many countries have ‘Friends of Sangam (FOS) groups’. They are

groups of people who care deeply about all that Sangam provides for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and the community of Pune. They get together to promote Sangam and raise funds to support special projects, ongoing maintenance, upgrading of equipment and creating diverse events.

Anyone can belong to a Friends of Sangam groups and you do not have to live in the country of the FOS group you join.

Sangam’s ‘door is always open’

Festivals, Celebrations and Ceremonies

You may wish to incorporate one or all of the following aspects into

your Sangam celebrations.

To help make your celebrations and teachings as authentic as possible,

you might like to invite a member of your local Indian community to come

and speak about India. Perhaps they could also teach you some words of

Hindi, or teach you about some traditions and customs and festivals from

their part of India.

Diwali - Festival of Lights

Festivals are an important part of life in India.

One well-known festival is Diwali. Diwali, also called the Festival of

Lights, is a Hindu celebration held around October each year. You could

have a “candle” themed meeting for Diwali, and make your own lanterns.

Here are some websites that could help you with your

Diwali night:

http://www.diwalifestival.org/

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/diwali.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

http://festivals.iloveindia.com/diwali/

Raksha Bandhan - The thread of love

This is a family celebration for brothers and sisters

and is usually celebrated at the end of July or

beginning of August. On this day sisters make a silk

bracelet of red and gold thread which they tie to their

brother’s wrists. This gift shows the sisters love for

her brother and by wearing the bracelet the brother

promises to protect her forever.

India’s Republic Day

This is a celebration of the day India became a Republic in 1950. On

January 26th

huge parades of proud people, decorated vehicles, much

music and dancing and often beautifully decorated elephants take part in a

huge parade in Delhi, the capital of India.

Holi - Festival of colour

Holi is an important festival to Hindus, as well as to many other Indians and

other people of south Asian origin. It is celebrated at the end of winter, -

(February/March), and the beginning of Spring, when Hindus believe it is a

time of enjoying spring's abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. To

many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the new year as well as

an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid

themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.

The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan

(burning of Holika) or Little Holi. People gather near fires, sing and dance.

The next day, Holi, is celebrated with children spraying coloured powder

solutions at each other, laugh and celebrate, while adults smear dry

coloured powder on each other.

Holi is celebrated in different ways in the regions of India but it is foremost the festival of colour.

In Maharashtra, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as Shimga, festivities that

last 5 to 7 days. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the

community, collecting firewood and money.

On the day of Shimga, the firewood

is heaped into a huge pile in each

neighbourhood. In the evening, the

fire is lit. Every household brings a

meal and sweet, in the honour of

the fire god. Shimga celebrates the

elimination of all evil. The colour

celebrations here take place on the

day of Rangapanchami, five days

after Shimga. During this festival,

people are supposed to forget and

forgive any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.

Coconuts

Coconuts are holy fruits in India and are used for most

ceremonies. The three “eyes” on a coconut are said to

represent the three-eyed god Shiva. Everyday coconuts are

offered at shrines and during religious ceremonies. It is

auspicious to break a coconut when embarking on a new

enterprise or journey.

The coconut is considered an important fruit because every part of it can

be used – the husk for fibre, the milk to drink and the flesh for food.

Coconuts are grown in Maharashtra, the state where Sangam is located

and so are readily available.

Coconut Day is celebrated during the monsoon (July – September). Fishermen

who have had to stop fishing due to rough seas want to resume their activities, so

offer coconuts to Varuna – the Lord of the Waters – by throwing them into the

sea. The coconut is used as an offering to the Gods because it is a holy fruit.

A coconut decorated with beads is usually given to a bridegroom by his

bride during the wedding ceremony as a sign of good luck for their future

life together. It is also considered auspicious to break a coconut at a

Shrine when embarking on any new enterprise. During ceremonies,

pieces of coconut flesh are shared as food blessed by the Gods.

Ganapati - Ganesh

The Ganapati festival, is best observed in Pune or Mumbai. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season (September). The festival, to honour Ganesha, the elephant headed God, is observed for ten days, and immersions of the deity are carried out over the last twenty-four hours of the festival. Families have their own Ganesh as a focal point in their homes,

where they make offerings and pray for inner strength.

Immense crowds follow processions to the local river to join even more people to witness the immersion of many Ganesh idols. Ganesh is said to be the ‘god

who can remove all obstacles’. This Festival is an extraordinary testimony

to the public place of religion in Indian life, the liveliness of Indian

communities, the splendours of street life, the strength of popular artistic and artisan traditions, and the glorious malleability of one beloved Hindu deity – Ganesh.

Homemade Percussion Instruments

Rattle Stick

Screw 3 bottle tops back to back into a wide piece of dowel around 25cm long. Repeat twice more.

Maracas Paper mache around a blown balloon that has a tablespoon of popping corn or rice inside.

Rain Stick Roll up tin foil that is a little longer

than the roll. Wind around a wooden

spoon and twist into roll. Close one

end with tape and pour in 5

tablespoons of rice, close second end.

Button Clickers Hot glue buttons onto a piece of thick card folded in half.

Sandpaper Blocks Screw two pieces of wood together.

Before you screw them together,

wrap one piece with sandpaper.

Tin Drum Put 2 tablespoons of rice in a tin can and stretch a balloon over the rim of the tin. Tape around the base of the balloon to hold it in place.

Chime Use a hollow piece of metal with two holes opposite each other, thread string through to use as a handle. Use another metal such has a nail to create an echo.

Elephant Quiz

1. What is this 2. Which country has an 3. What is my name?

elephant’s name?

elephant on its promise

badge?

4. Which Just So story 5. Can you name this 6.The man who looks after and

is this?

elephant? rides elephants is called a

7. How can you tell if 8. What is the name of 9. This is the Hindu Elephant

this is an African or

this elephant? God. Is it Shiva, Ganesh or

Indian elephant?

Vishnu?

10. This is the mascot

for Sangam, our

World Centre in India,

what is her name?

11. Who packed her

trunk and said good bye

to the circus?

12 Can you name

this elephant?

Answers

1. Elphie is her name.

2. Sri Lanka has an elephant on its badge. 3. Dumbo is his name. 4. The Elephant’s child is the name of the story. 5. Barbar is the name of this elephant. 6. A Mahout is an elephant handler. 7. Indian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants.

8. This is Elmer. 9. Ganesh is the Hindu elephant God.

10. The Sangam mascot is called Sangelee. 11. Nellie the elephant. 12. This elephant is called Wilbur.

Mehendi

Mehendi is henna, which is natural dye made from the leaves and stem of the

Henna Tree. In India it is better known as a traditional art of painting designs

on the body using henna. It is used all over the world as a temporary tattoo.

The henna is produced in a paste which is put into a cone to enable the

Mehendi artist to use directly from the cone to the skin. Henna works by

staining the outer layer of the skin. The stain wears off as the skin is

exfoliated. The longer the henna is allowed to dry on the skin, the darker

the colour of the pattern usually becomes.

The most special occasion on which Mehendi is used is at an Indian

wedding, when all the wedding party, including the

groom, have Mehendi which is lavish and

intricate. The henna symbolises the love between

husband and wife, and the long-lasting nature of

that love. After the wedding it is a custom that the

bride does not do any housework or chores as

long as her Mehendi stays on her skin.

There are also some very simple designs that

can be done on any occasion and they look

equally beautiful too.

BENEFITS OF SOLAR COOKING AND HEATING OF WATER

FUEL

Sun is free – no fuel cost Reduces deforestation Saves other energy sources

WATER

Uses less water than other cooking methods Food never burns so there is no scrubbing pots in water

HEALTH

Improves diet by increasing the nutritional content of food Reduces illness from contaminated water Improves air quality because there is no smoke

TIME

With no fire to tend, the food can be prepared and left for several hours to cook while other work is done

How to cook food or boil water using the sun

There are many sites on the internet but this is a very easy method.

A simple recycled cardboard box covered in foil and cut to allow the sun to reflect onto the cooking container works well, provided that:

The stainless steel container with a lid is painted black on the outside. Once the food is added and lid put on, the container is sealed in a

clear plastic bag. The bag is then placed on about three small stones in the cooker

space to allow reflection of the sun under it. Clothes pegs or similar are useful to alter the shape of the cooker

as the sun moves. Leave it for the time required to cook your food.

Be very careful removing the container as it will be very hot even on a cloudy

day.

NOTES

Water reaches boiling point in about a couple of hours.

A hot sunny day will take about three hours to cook a cup of raw rice and completely absorb the 2 cups of water.

An overcast day will still boil and cook, but it takes longer.

Steps to cooking with the sun, saving power, preventing pollution and

saving trees.

Creating an Indian Atmosphere

Lengths of fabric, even lengths of light curtain material in bright/brilliant colours.

Drape around walls and over chairs. If outdoors, a canopy would be ideal.

Shawls/pashminas or saris sourced from friends.

Large cushions covered in bright coloured fabrics

and brass bowls and Indian handcrafts displayed

around.

Make a rangoli design near the entrance.

Display an Indian Flag.

Display posters/photos about Sangam and other

places to visit in India.

Create a “temple table” with a Ganesh or Hindu

God figure. Incense can be burning and candles

can be put in holders.

Indian taped music can be playing.

If possible wear a sari or Punjabi suit (Indian

dress) with bangles.

Ask guests to leave their shoes at the door.

Welcome guests with a bindi (purchase from any Indian shop or a dot of lipstick),

a garland and ‘Namaste’ (said whilst bowing slightly with hands pressed together).

Create a chart of common Hindi and/or Marathi phrases.

How to Tie / Drape a Sari

RANGOLI

The word Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘ranavalli’.It is an art

which precedes sculpture and painting.

Usually it is women who draw Rangoli. They do not require any actual devices

but do use their own fingers and a coarse powder. The powder is obtained by

pounding a mineral (shirgoli) and also in the Konkan Region of India the husks

of rice are burnt and the white ash obtained is used as Rangoli.

A pinch of Rangoli powder is taken using the index finger and the thumb. As

the powder is coarse it can flow freely when released from the fingers. This

allows the artist to create shapes with ease and fill the pattern with colour.

The two aims of Rangoli are revelation of beauty and the acquisition

of auspiciousness. The traditional forms drawn are symbolic. A

curved line produces a better effect of beauty than a straight one.

Rangoli is both an auspicious and a preliminary necessity in any religious ritual.

It is drawn at the site of religious rituals such as festivals, weddings, ritualistic

worship and as a welcoming decoration at people’s homes and businesses.

If traditional powder is not available where you live, try colouring rice and using

that.

An effective and inexpensive way to create a pattern like the real thing is as

follows.

Make mixtures of water, food colouring and a little vinegar to set the colours.

Place rice into the liquid until it changes colour then remove and dry. Draw a large simple design on a flat surface

Colour the design in a similar way to if they had powder to use.

Yoga for kids

Yoga is great for kids of all ages to practice. Yoga provides a holistic system which encompasses the development of the mind, body and spirit. Lots of websites online say that kids yoga improves concentration and focus, stimulates the imagination and helps to release energy in a fun, safe environment. Yoga also promotes inner strength, confidence and self-esteem, a feeling of well-being and respect for others and love for ones-self inside and out.

A lot of kids might have already tried some yoga before and might think that they impress you by doing it fast. It is important these kids slow down so they do not hurt themselves.

I have designed a short programme for you to try with your unit. It should take between15 and 20 minutes. It is just a taster of the joy of yoga!

Before you start, yoga is a lot more comfortable on carpeted floor and with bare feet (less slipping) and always check the floor for hazards like staples and bits of food etc which is not nice to sit or lie on.

To start with get the kids to lie on their backs with their legs slightly apart and their arms to their sides and their palms facing up. For the first few minutes let them just breathe normally. Then slow and talking in a soft voice ask them to take a deep breath all the way down to their stomach and ask them to hold their breath and then breathe out slowly through their mouths. Do this for a while (10 or so deep breaths) and then ask them to take a deep breath which fills their stomach and their chest. Again ask them to breathe out through their mouths and do this for another 10 breaths or so. Then ask the kids to take a deep breath which goes all the way from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads. Again hold this breath and breathe out slowly through their mouth. This should take about 5-7 minutes and the kids should be focused and their minds clear when finished.

An International Flag Raising Ceremony

‘Today we are going to prepare a recipe for International friendship. First we put some blue in for the sky.

We add yellow to represent the sun. We add some white for peace.

Two stars, one for the promise, one for the law. We

also put a compass needle in to show the way.

We cook it with the warmth of friendship from all over the world.

We season it with duty to God and country and service to others.

We mix it all together with the Girl Guiding/Scouting touch

And the results is this……………….. ‘

Have the World Flag rolled in a pot ready to raise when the ‘recipe’ has been completed.

As the ‘recipe’ is read add the appropriate colour pieces of paper or card, stars,

compass, etc to the pot.

Mandala

Each person’s life is like a mandala – a

vast, limitless circle. We stand in the

center of our own circle and everything

we see, hear and think forms the mandala

of our life.

- Pema Chodron

A mandala (In Sanskrit literally, circle) is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian

religions, representing the universe. In common use, "mandala" has become

a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents

the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.

Hindi Words of the Day

Yes/No Chalo!

What is your name? Ha/Nahi

Let’s Go!

Apka nam kya hai?

Mei tik hu!

I am fine! Dhanyavad!

Thank You

What is your name?

Stop/Enough Apka nam kya hai? Krupya

Bas

Please/Excuse me

Me ra name ____ hai Happy Birthday!

Phir Milenge!

My name is ____

Janam din Mubarak ho! See you again!