Spring Dale School hosts annual Maa Boli Mela

The campus of Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar, resonated with traditional melodies, art forms and the rhythmic beats of the dhol during the 16th annual Maa Boli Mela. Organised by Punarjyot—an offshoot of the Spring Dale Educational Society—the festival celebrates Punjabi language and culture.

Sahiljit Singh Sandhu, chairman of the Society, said this year’s event was dedicated to the legendary poet Prof Mohan Singh and saw participation from around 15 schools across the region. The mela featured spirited competitions in calligraphy (Sulekh), poetry composition (Kaav Rachna), folk singing (Lok Gayaki) and turban-tying (Sohney Cheerey Wala), among others.

Guru Nanak Dev Global Academy, Chananke, won first prize in calligraphy, while M.K.D. DAV Public School, Neshta, Attari, topped the poetry composition event. DAV Public School, Lawrence Road, emerged winner in multimedia, Stalwarts World School, Verka Bypass, led in poetry recitation, and Khalsa College Public School, Ranjit Avenue, bagged the first prize in folk singing.

Dr Kirat Sandhu Cheema, director, Punarjyot, said the mela aims to promote Punjabi language and identity among youth. “It is both a celebration and an endeavour to revive our cultural roots,” she added. Principal Rajiv Kumar Sharma noted that Spring Dale was among the first schools in Punjab to take such an initiative, blending education with heritage to revive the glory of undivided Punjab