Things had to move like clockwork at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education on January 26.
At 9am, Saraswati Puja had begun with the offerings laid out before the idol by student volunteers and the priest in his place. But sharp at 10, the principal, Anthony Das, had to hoist the Tricolour to mark the 74th Republic Day of India. The students then performed a parade which was followed by the teachers singing the nation anthem, concluding the school's Republic Day celebrations.
The focus quickly shifted back to the puja where the all-important pushpanjali was starting.
Along with the governing body members, teachers, students and non-teaching staff of the school, former teachers and ex students of SAIE had also come to the campus on the special day to reunite with their old acquaintances and friends.
The mood was more relaxed when distribution of bhog began among the attendees. Ritu Majumder, an ISC 2020 pass-out, said: "It always feels great to return to the grounds where I spent the last two years of my school life. It's been three years and it is fascinating to notice how much everyone has changed," she smiled, adding how delighted she was to get to wear a sari to school.
The Tricolour being unfurled at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education
Sreejita Basak, a current Class XII student, was excited about the occasion but was sorry to have both occasions coincide on the same day. "It would have been better if we got two separate days to celebrate -- one to watch the parade and another to come to school and hang out with friends," she said. "This time, the vibe of Saraswati Puja has completely overpowered that of Republic Day because other than the sight of the hoisted flag, you can't even make out that it's anything other than Saraswati puja today," she added.
"The bond that we see getting reinforced on this day between former teachers and ex-students and the current teachers and students gives pleasure to our souls," said Bengali teacher, Amanita Nath.
The celebration ended with the students and teachers sitting down to feast on the bhog before leaving the campus to enjoy the rest of the day.