Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 22: Moms of Mangalore in association with Bharath Mall and Bharath Bookmark on October 21 hosted 'Bolpuda Gauji - festival of lights' competition organized for children on the occasion of Diwali. The event was held amidst great fanfare and enthusiasm at Bharath Mall, here. The objective behind the programme was to instil the festive spirit in young kids, spread awareness among children about safe and smokeless Diwali and give them a platform to bring out their hidden talents.

The programme unfolded the creative abilities of children through a string of activities which included story telling, diya making, diya decoration, making Diwali greeting cards, craft from waste, Rangoli, cooking without fire and drawing based on the theme 'Smokeless Diwali'. Its objective was to spread the message of happiness in Diwali celebration without bursting crackers. Decorated in vibrant hues, the mall had an ambience of joy and happiness. The crowd reverberated with energy and enthusiasm hoping that this Diwali would bring utmost peace and prosperity in everyone’s life.

Dr Shilpa Dheeraj and Dr Sneha Puthran of A J Hospital & Research Centre, Anjana Kamath and Gauri Rao from Hakuna Matata Club judged the contest entries. The main sponsor for the event was Bharath Bookmark while the co-sponsors were Bag I Luv You, Pupkins Kitchen, Spindrift and Kimera Saloon.

While a plethora of enthusiastic kids and parents got together, the main stars of the event were the children, whose support and participation defined the success of the event. As Moms of Mangalore intends to get involved in more social responsibilities in the region while supporting each other through various services it renders through its online page, mothers are encouraged to join this group and make use of the opportunities. They are also called to make a small effort to making a difference in the lives of other mothers.

Following were the winners in the competitions held across three categories:

Category 1 (4-6 years)

1. Story telling:
First prize: Ritvika Mallya
Second prize: Hansika Y
Third prize: Sephanie / Rishaan

2. Diwali puzzle:
First prize: Bhoomika Bhatt
Second prize: Latik
Third prize: Nishitha
3. Drawing:
First prize: Sanvika
Second prize: Hansika Y
Third prize: Havish

Category 2 (7-9 years)

1. Craft from waste:
First prize: Ranna
Second prize: Akshaj
Third prize: Naitik
2. Diya decoration:
First prize: Naitik
Second prize: Grahith
Third prize: Avantika
3. Diwali greetings:
First prize: Anvith H
Second prize: Janice
Third prize: Gail

Category 3 (10-14 years)

1. Drawing (theme: Smokeless Diwali)
First prize: Ayush Y
Second prize: Pranav
Third prize: Dhanush P shetty
2. Rangoli:
First prize: Siri Subhas
Second prize: Ananya H
Third prize: Ayush Y
3. Diya making:
First prize: Lishawn Dsouza
Second prize: Gagan
Third prize: Siri Subhas
4. Cooking without fire:
First prize: Sarthak Shenoy
Second prize: Shreya Revankar
Third prize: Laasya