Shaping Devotion and Mindfulness: A Play & Meditate Clay Workshop at NPS OMR
At our school NPS OMR, we celebrated the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with a unique and heartwarming Play & Meditate Clay Workshop! The entire event was designed to bring our families together for an afternoon of creativity, focus, and joyful bonding. From the moment parents and children stepped into the venue, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of calm anticipation and togetherness.
Our families arrived with bright smiles and eager hands, ready to create and connect. It was a beautiful sight to see parents and children seated together, united in a shared purpose. The hall was set up for mindfulness, with soft seating, calming music, and the earthy scent of natural clay, perfectly setting the mood for a session of focused play and meditation. Our special guest, Ganesh Srinivasan, guided the session with warmth and expertise, ensuring everyone felt included and inspired.
One of the main highlights of the day was the hands-on activity of crafting Lord Ganesha idols from clay. This creative process became a favourite for all attendees. With careful hands and focused minds, children and parents alike kneaded, shaped, and lovingly detailed their own eco-friendly Ganesha idols. This hands-on activity was more than just crafting; it was a meditative practice that helped everyone center themselves, bringing wide smiles and a deep sense of accomplishment.
To further enhance the experience, the workshop seamlessly blended play with mindfulness techniques. Ganesh Srinivasan led families through simple, engaging activities that taught focus and calmness. Parents shared how refreshing it felt to pause their busy lives and truly connect with their children, while the kids enjoyed learning fun techniques to find their center. This interactive session turned into a mini-festival of well-being!
Another exciting part of the day was the shared experience of storytelling and discussion. Each family had the opportunity to talk about their creation and their experience. Children confidently showed their clay Ganesha and shared what they enjoyed most, while parents expressed their gratitude for the meaningful bonding time. This not only built the children’s confidence but also made the concepts of mindfulness and devotion tangible and deeply personal.
The celebration of our Play & Meditate Workshop was a tremendous success as it provided a wonderful opportunity for experiential learning through creativity and calm. It was a day of connection, laughter, and peaceful togetherness. Our families went home not just with a beautiful, self-made idol, but with fond memories of a purposeful and joyful workshop and practical tools for mindful living.
We look forward to many more such events to help our children and families explore, learn, and enjoy the wonderful balance of play and inner peace