Gujarati Sunday School
Overview
The aim of the Gujarati School is to encourage better understanding of our Gujarati language and Indian culture. Sunday School is run by parents and volunteers who are passionate about sharing and nurturing the Hindu culture and Gujarati language. The emphasis is on teaching basic writing and speaking Gujarati as well as enjoying and appreciating Indian culture and the Hindu religion.
Children are taught basic Gujarati language along with various forms of worship such as prathna (prayer), bhajan singing (devotional songs) and aarti (lighting of devas to worship god). Prashad (a sacred food offering) is offered to gods during aarti and later shared with all in attendance.
Various holy occasions are celebrated as they occur (as per Hindu calendar), open discussions are held to impart its meaning, teachings and spiritual connection.
To celebrate Diwali (Hindu New Year), the Sunday School children perform bhajans and cultural dancing at our annual community function. Sometimes performances are based on various themes such as India’s Independence or religious occasions.
This gives the children a chance to show off their skills learned during school and take part in the New Year celebrations with the community.
What to expect
Sunday School generally runs from 10am to 11:30am for junior, middle and senior classes.
Below is an example of a common session:
10:00am – Mandir for prayers, bhajan, aarti and prashad
10:30am – Stories from scriptures, discussion of religious ceremonies
10:45am – School divides into classes
11:25am – Indian national anthem for all classes
11:30am – School ends
The session may differ for ceremonies such as Holi, Raksha Bandan, Nav Ratri, Diwali and other festivals or activities that occur during the year.
Sunday School follows the school calendar and sessions are generally only held during the school term.
Additional sessions will be held during term 3 and term 3 holidays for Diwali performance practices.
We run a roster where each week, one family/child brings prashad to share with the other children following our aarti session. This is simple. We appreciate all kinds of prashad including fruit, savoury or sweet snacks/mithai. All prashad should be vegetarian with no eggs.
What to bring to Sunday School
- Water bottle
- Prathna and bhajan folder
- Pens and books (if required on the day)
- Medication (if required)
- No food (unless bringing prashad)
Donations
All Sunday School teachers and organisers are volunteers, therefore there are no costs. We do accept donations to purchase resources such as paper, pens and costumes for Diwali performances.