By  Ujjwala Siddapur & Avil Correa for BISMumbai

The auditorium of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla, came alive on Thursday morning with the rhythm and colour of Dil Se Nacho, the annual interhouse dance competition. Held on August 28, 2025, the event brought together the school’s four houses in a spirited celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

The competition was divided into three categories: Juniors (Standards V to VII), Inters (Standards VIII to X), and Seniors (Standards XI and XII). Each house was tasked with presenting a distinct regional culture of India. The Yellow House chose Jammu and Kashmiri traditions, the Blue House performed the vibrancy of Assam, the Red House showcased Himachali heritage, while the Green House brought to life the spirit of Goa.

At 10.30 a.m., the first performance began, with each group stepping forward in turn, their costumes, music, and choreography transforming the stage into a panorama of India’s diversity. The judges, Mr Aditya Kamat and Ms Bhagwati Goel, watched attentively as the dancers moved with energy and precision. Each performance carried both artistic flair and cultural authenticity, winning warm applause from the packed audience of students and staff.

Following the house presentations, the judges shared their appreciation for the effort and artistry on display. In a delightful surprise, Mr Kamat himself performed, drawing cheers and leaving the hall enthralled. The awards ceremony followed, with certificates presented to the winners. The event concluded with a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Miss Sanidhya Wakade, acknowledging the efforts of the participants, organisers, and judges.

The programme was coordinated by teachers Sushma and Priya, whose careful planning ensured that the competition ran seamlessly. Beyond the contest, the aim of Dil Se Nacho was clearly fulfilled: to encourage students to express their talents, build confidence, and celebrate India’s plural culture through the medium of dance.

The results reflected the intensity of the contest. In the Juniors category, the Green House took first place, with Red House in second. Among the Inters, Yellow House emerged victorious, while Green and Blue shared second place. The Seniors delivered an equally compelling contest, with Blue House securing the top spot and Yellow House finishing a close second.

The day ended not only with winners, but with a sense of shared pride across the houses—proof once again that at Don Bosco Lonavla, dance is more than performance; it is celebration, learning, and unity expressed through movement.