The morning air at Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar didn’t just carry the chill of the December breeze; it was thick with the scent of baked treats mingled with laughter, music, and excited chatter. Recently, the school campus came alive as it hosted its annual Christmas carnival, Candy Cane Lane 3.0.
This year’s carnival wore the charm of Hogwarts. From stall names to decorations, students drew inspiration from the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The theme made the space both whimsical and warm-hearted. The event was inaugurated with the release of balloons by special guests Gargi Guha Thakurta, editor of a reputed media channel, Prof. Adwitiya Datta Banik of IIHM, IEM-UEM, along with Principal Sonali Sarkar. As they walked through the carnival, their presence added to the excitement, and they were visibly impressed by the confidence and creativity of the students.
Candy Cane Lane 3.0 was not just a festive fair; it was a lesson in collaboration, empathy, and entrepreneurship. Conceived to support the underprivileged, the carnival encouraged students, staff, and guardians to come together for a larger social cause. This year, the students led the fete with enthusiasm as they designed playful names for their stalls like ‘The Bagwarts Boutique’, ‘Hogwarts’ Snow Spell’, ‘The Wizard’s Alley’, and ‘Wingardium Graviosa’. They sold handmade jewellery, crafts, and treats, and devised engaging games that kept everyone happily occupied. On the other hand, juniors set the tone with a mesmerising dance performance, drawing applause from parents and visitors.
The home science laboratory proved to be one of the busiest spots as they served crowd favourites such as biscoff mousse, french fries, and cheesy nachos, which sold out in no time.
Speaking to The Statesman, Karishma Surana, headmistress of the school, reflected on the journey of the carnival, “The carnival is a lesson in entrepreneurship and community service. Through this carnival, we want to teach these two important skills which are required for the students,” she said, adding, “Students put up their own stalls, calculate their costs, plan profits and donate the entire amount to the charity. It also brings together students, parents, and alumni, creating a sense of community bonding.”
A unique highlight of the carnival was the presence of local artisans, who brought with them colours and textures of India’s traditional crafts. The stalls displayed skills passed down through generations, including taalpata work, pattachitra, pottery, and iridescent kaleidoscope, among others. The students and teachers gathered around to learn about these indigenous art forms, while the artisans were overwhelmed by the warmth and support they received. The school’s effort to create a reciprocal community resonated strongly, connecting children with the heritage that often fades into the background. “Through all this, we are trying to promote and connect children to the tradition and the forgotten artforms which our country has to offer,” Surana stated.
The carnival also featured a series of performances. The stage was lit up with presentations by violinist Shubhodeep Chakraborty and flautist Ayan Mukherjee. This was followed by a performance by renowned music composer Diptarko Bose. Captivating songs by a boy band from Calcutta Boys’ School and zumba by the alumni kept the pulse alive. However, the showstopper for the day was the parent-toddler fashion show that generated appreciation from all around.
For former Vice-Principal Madhumita Seal, now Administrator and Vice-Principal, Indus Valley World School, the carnival felt like a homecoming. “It feels like a homecoming because I was associated with MBSV for a long time. The warmth, the hospitality, the happiness among students and teachers, it gives very good vibes,” Seal noted. She further added, “The carnival is as good as it was before. The engagement of the parents, students, and alumni has beautifully evolved over the years.”
As the carnival came to an end, Prof. Banik summed up the essence of the event. “This really feels like a high-street exhibition. Everything is systematically organised and deeply meaningful. I am really delighted to be a part of such an event. Christmas is about sharing, and that value is visible here.”