Performing a Puja at Our Schools in India 🌾

May 2026

Performing a Puja at Our Schools in India

At the Carnevali Foundation, it’s not just about building or renovating: embracing local cultures and traditions is also important.

What is a Puja?

Before beginning any construction project in Indian culture, a special prayer for Mother Earth is performed. The ritual involves the use of turmeric, kumkum (a red powder used in India for social and religious markings, made from powdered turmeric mixed with slaked lime), nine types of grains (each having a special significance), a coconut, and basic tools for digging.

Highlights of the Puja Ceremony

Digging a Hole

Before starting the Puja ritual, Carnevali Director Radhika Atluri and Operations Manager, Chandrasekr dig a hole in the earth in the spot where the Puja will be performed. A special prayer for Mother Earth will be made involving all the members connected to the school.

A Day of Celebration

The puja ritual is a day of thanks and celebration and guests are welcomed to the school yard to be greeted by students, faculty and Headmaster. Students pounding a drum will lead the guests to a seated area. Parents and local residents are invited to attend.

Guests may include officials from the Education Office, Grant and Foundation Donors and retired Schools Administrators.

Offerings

Offerings include 9 types of grains, turmeric and kumkum. Numerous coconuts are available so many different people can participate. These are gathered in advance in preparation for this special event.

Cracking Coconuts

Grains are placed on the threshold of the doorway. In this photo, Jackie Carnevali, CF President, is cracking a coconut and positioning it on either side of the doorway. In other phases of the Puja, additional guests and leaders will also crack and place a coconut.

Final Stages

In the final stages of the Puja ritual, a squash with a lit candle will be rotated at the entrance of a doorway. This is the recently adopted school, called Mallampet.

Finally the ribbon will be cut and dignitaries will enter in turn starting with the right foot. The rock for cracking the coconut is readily available.

Puja to Inspire Adult Literacy

In this photo Jackie and Radhika take part in a Puja to celebrate the recent opening of a new room dedicated to Adult Literacy and Sewing Center. Maktha School will be excited to offer an afternoon program for adults whose children attend the school and for interested neighbors. Once launched, this program will provide reading, writing, and math skills to adults, as well as sewing lessons.

Stay tuned for more!