Vijayadasami 2025 at Melbourne Namadwaar
Nathopasana – Golu Report
Following last year’s Golu project – “In Rama’s Footsteps” – where children traced Rama’s journey across India and Sri Lanka, this year’s theme centred on temples celebrated in saints’ kirtans.
“Nathopasana – Deities Worshipped through Kirtans” brought together children and families to explore 11 temples through research, creativity, and storytelling, showcased in dioramas and live presentations. The project aimed to connect children with Bharat’s spiritual heritage, showing how saints expressed devotion through kirtans and proving that hands-on creativity can spark curiosity, joy, and pride in tradition.
Here are the 11 temples we explored:
– Madhurapuri Premika Varadan – Madhurapuri (near Chennai, Tamil Nadu) – His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji (Sri G)
– Guruvayoor Krishna – Guruvayoor (Kerala) – Narayana Bhattathiri / Poonthanam
– Bhadrachalam Rama – Bhadrachalam (Telangana) – Bhakta Ramadasa (Kancharla Gopanna)
– Tirupati Venkateswara (Balaji) – Tirumala–Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) – Sri Annamacharya
– Pandharpur Vittala – Pandharpur (Maharashtra) – Sant Tukaram / Sant Namdev
– Shrinathji – Nathdwara (Rajasthan) – Sri Vallabhacharya
– Vrindavan Banke Bihari – Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) – Meerabai
– Puri Jagannatha – Puri (Odisha) – Jayadeva
– Varanasi Sankata Mochan Hanuman – Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – Sant Tulsidas
– Mannargudi Rajagopala Swami – Mannargudi (Tamil Nadu) – Oothukadu Venkata Kavi
– Udupi Krishna – Udupi (Karnataka) – Purandaradasa
This year, GK witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 45 children, including those from within and outside the GK community.
Parents involved: 10+
Teachers & mentors: 7
Teams: 11
Workshops: 6 interactive sessions held after Janmashtami
Over six workshops, the children explored India’s temples, saints, and the locations and then brought them to life as Navaratri Golu dioramas.
Learning & Activities
Key Skills Gained
Creativity: Building models using recycled materials, clay/playdough, paper, and natural elements.
Teamwork: Collaborating across age groups, families and mentors to research, design, and present.
Knowledge: Discovering India’s geography, temple histories, saints’ lives, and sthala puranams.
Age-Specific Highlights
Ages 5–7: Crafted Krishna dolls, elephants, props, and the Himalayan mountains for the floor map.
Ages 8–10: Painted, cut temple façades, and arranged Golu steps.
Ages 11–15: Researched saints and places, wrote scripts, and led presentations during the exhibition.
Engagement
Kids presentation: Children displayed their dioramas and presented the stories of each temple and saint to visitors, bringing the exhibits to life.
Kahoot Quiz: A lively Krishna-themed quiz kept kids and visitors entertained and learning.
Interactive Displays: Visitors explored the dioramas through QR-code-linked web pages featuring stories, saints, and fun facts.
Community Spirit: Parents guided research and model-making, while volunteers supported set-up, logistics, and live presentations.
Feedback
Parents praised how the project blended art, teamwork, and heritage learning. Many kids felt inspired to see these temples in real life. One child shared: “I now want to go to Nathdwara, Rajasthan!” — a testament to how the exhibition connected young minds to Bharat’s living traditions.
Looking Ahead – 2026
In 2026, we will continue celebrating Bharat’s rich culture, temples, and saints with new stories and creative presentations.
By starting workshops earlier, we aim for deeper research, wider participation from children across Melbourne, and greater community footfall — making next year’s Golu even more vibrant and impactful.
Nrityasamarpanam – a dance offering
Overview:
Natya Praana School of Indian Classical Dance, under the guidance of Artistic Director Smt. Lakshanya Siddarth, presented a dance offering at Namadwaar Melbourne for Navaratri 2025.
Participation:
The performance featured 23 students, ranging from Junior to Post Arangetram level.
Performance:
The pieces performed were Mallari, Devi Neeye Thunai, Sri Chakra Raja, and Saraswathi Kauthvam. The Samarpanam was a devotional tribute for the festive occasion.
Vidyaarambam at Namadwaar
Overview:
On the auspicious day of Vijayadasami, Namadwaar conducted Vidyaarambam (initiation into learning) for children aged 3–5 years
Vidyaarambam, also known as Akshara Abhyasam, marks the auspicious beginning of a child’s journey into learning. Traditionally performed around Vijayadasami, it is believed that starting education on this sacred day invokes the blessings of Goddess Saraswati and our Gurus. This ceremony is a prayer for the child’s learning to be filled with wisdom, humility, and values that shape their future.
Participation:
5 Families with their young children began their learning journeys at Namadawaar through Vidyaarambam.
