Recently, the second grade enjoyed a visit from Miss Rani when they learned about Indian culture, festivals, and traditions. Some of the highlights included an introduction to Pongal which is a four-day festival of thanksgiving celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. It is held in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cooking) are harvested.
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The class also enjoyed learning about Rangoli. They tried their hands at the Indian art form in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand, or flower petals. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, observances, marriage celebrations, and other similar milestones and gatherings.