The Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department has issued a new government circular announcing a major expansion of the ‘Ananddayi Shanivar’ (Happy Saturday) initiative across all state-run schools.
Official Notice on Maharashtra’s Ananddayi Shanivar
The programme was first introduced for Std. 1 to 8 in the academic year 2024–25.
It will now include a wider set of co-curricular, value-based activities aimed at students’ academic, social, cultural, and emotional development.
What is Ananddayi Shanivar Initiative?
The objective of the expanded initiative is to help students develop self-confidence; awareness and social skills; practical and leadership skills; moral and cultural values; and physical and mental fitness.
Every weekend will continue to be celebrated as a ‘Happy Saturday’, with activity-based learning integrated into the school routine.
Key Activities Announced Under the ‘Ananddayi Shanivar’ Programme
The circular outlines multiple mandatory components to be implemented in schools for the ‘Ananddayi Shanivar’ Programme, while making student participation voluntary. These include:
1. Parent-School Partnership
- At least two parent meetings per year
- The purpose of the gathering is to guide students not only in their academic performance but also in their daily, social, and moral development
- Topics for parents for effective communication with children like screen time, study routines, changes during adolescence, mental health, and parent-school partnership
- Awareness sessions on managing children’s study time and screen time
- Activities such as a Small Enterprise Festival, Science Exhibition, or Art Projects may be organised
2. Social Gatherings and Cultural Events
Schools must conduct an annual cultural gathering featuring:
- Folk art and folk dance
- Drama and recitation
- Music festivals
- Student performances based on patriotism
3. Fitness and Patriotism Activities
To instil national pride and physical discipline:
- Yoga and exercise sessions
- Military drills, NCC/Scout, and Guide training
- Singing patriotic songs
4. Alumni Mentorship
Schools are encouraged to form alumni associations.
Alumni students successful in fields such as business, sports, arts, and civil services will conduct mentoring discussions to inspire current students with career guidance, competitive exams, sports, science, and life skills.
5. Educational Trips
Each school must organise at least one educational trip to:
- Historical sites
- Science centres
- Factories and industries
- Farms
Pre-visit briefings and post-visit projects (report writing, presentations, picture exhibitions) have been made compulsory.
6. Field Visits Based on NEP’s Experiential Learning
Schools must arrange visits to museums, post offices, banks, police stations, local governance bodies, historical places, and local industries. Under NEP guidelines, students will observe real-world processes to learn:
- Different working methods
- Responsibility and community service
- Behavioural and documentation skills
- Practical life skills
7. Organisation of Elocution Competitions
- Every school should organise at least three activities such as elocution, storytelling, debates, or poetry recitation during the academic year.
- The topics should primarily include themes such as patriotism, environment, science, social values, democracy, technology, health, and cleanliness.
- Students should be encouraged to demonstrate oral skills, purity of the Marathi language, confident presentation, time management, and respectful interpersonal skills.
- Winners should be encouraged by awarding certificates.
8. Small Enterprise Mahotsav
A hands-on student entrepreneurship festival will be organised to teach:
- Buying and selling
- Profit and loss
- Basic accounting
- Customer service
- Negotiation
Students will set up small stalls offering vegetables/fruits, handicrafts, food items, recycled products, or book displays. The activity may be merged with the parents meeting for broader participation.
Each school must prepare an annual implementation plan and submit it to the District Education Officer (Primary/Secondary).
Ananddayi Shanivar: A Broader Vision for Student Development
The state government reiterated that while all schools must organise these activities, individual participation by students will remain optional to ensure an inclusive environment. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on value-based education, life skills, and experiential learning, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy.
The expanded ‘Ananddayi Shanivar’ is expected to create more engaging school environments across Maharashtra, contributing to the holistic growth of nearly 1.5 crore students studying in government schools.
Source
Official Notice by Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department, 09 December, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department, Education Department, and Government of India.
