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Festivals & Traditions

Celebrating Together

Celebrations and shared traditions are central to life at Bhaktivedanta Academy. Throughout the year, students, families, and teachers gather for events that strengthen relationships, recognize milestones, and reflect the school's spiritual and cultural values.

Bhakti Bhavan girl with her arms raised

Devotional Celebrations

The school observes devotional holidays from the Vaishnava tradition. These observances introduce students to the stories, practices, and values that form a meaningful part of the school's spiritual culture.

School Traditions

In addition to devotional events, Bhaktivedanta Academy upholds traditions such as field days, special parent gatherings, and end-of-year ceremonies. These events connect students and families throughout the school calendar, fostering a strong sense of community across grade levels.

A group of people gathered at night, releasing a glowing orange lantern into the sky.
Family School Night

Family School Night is one of the first major gatherings of the year. It invites families into classrooms to connect with teachers and other parents and experience the learning environments their children are part of each day. The evening features a community devotional gathering where students lead the Dāmodarāṣṭakam prayers, followed by candle offerings and a lantern release, during which each class offers prayers for blessings in the year ahead.

A woman in a colorful sari is sitting on a wooden deck, reading a book with a young boy beside her.
Father's & Mother's Day

Students invite their parents into the classroom for Father's Day (April) and Mother's Day (May) gatherings. Teachers and students plan activities to share, such as songs, games, readings, crafts, or projects, creating memorable experiences for parents and children.

A young child in a wet suit is sliding down a large inflatable water slide in a backyard setting with lush greenery in the background.
Kurukshetra Field Day

Kurukshetra Field Day is a school-wide outdoor celebration, organized with support from our Parent-Teacher Organization. Students spend the day participating in field games, water activities, and team challenges that promote cooperation, sportsmanship, and physical activity. The event gives students an opportunity to enjoy unstructured time outside while celebrating the closing weeks of the year.

A group of young athletes, both male and female, are standing together on a grassy field surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Staff vs Student Game

A favorite tradition for our rising 7th-grade students, this friendly competition between teachers and students builds school pride and strengthens bonds across the school community.

A group of children wearing blue shirts are gathered on a wooden deck, surrounded by trees and decorative balloons in the background.
End of Year Ceremonies

Students from Pre-K through Upper Elementary gather for heartfelt ceremonies that reflect on the year's learning and recognize their academic, social, and spiritual progress.

Three young people, a man and two women, are playing with water guns in a grassy outdoor setting with trees and a building visible in the background.
Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day closes the year, with students, parents, and teachers gathering outdoors to enjoy time together as a community.

Two individuals wearing traditional Japanese attire, including kimonos and flower garlands, appear to be engaged in a conversation or celebration against a backdrop of colorful lanterns and decorations.
10th Grade Graduation

The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for students who have completed the Krishna Sharanam Middle Years Programme. The event recognizes students' dedication and achievements while expressing gratitude to the families and teachers who supported them throughout their years at the school.