Historic Festhoma 2024: St. Thomas School’s Grand Celebration Showcases Student Talent

Kolkata: Celebrating centuries of educational excellence, St. Thomas School in Khidirpur, one of the oldest institutions in the country, recently held its annual festival, Festhoma 2024, with grandeur. Founded in 1789, this prestigious Kolkata institution hosted the event, marking it as one of the most significant school fests in the region. A total of 34 schools from across West Bengal participated, drawing thousands of students to showcase their talents and skills.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, Suman Biswas, Principal of St. Th5omas School Boys Section, and Richelle Allais, Principal of the Girls Section, shared insights about the festival’s scale and objectives. They revealed that Festhoma 2024 featured more than 38 events, encompassing a wide range of activities to highlight the diverse talents of participating students. This impressive lineup positioned Festhoma 2024 as one of the largest school fests of its kind, setting a benchmark in student-led events across the state.

The principals spoke of the event’s importance in creating a space for students to explore and express their talents beyond academics. “Today’s curriculum is highly demanding, leaving limited opportunities for students to pursue their creative interests,” said Biswas. “Festhoma 2024 was organized with the vision of providing students with a platform to showcase their hidden talents. Witnessing their performances, we believe our mission has been fulfilled.”

One of the festival’s major highlights was the highly anticipated performance by renowned Bollywood singer Javed Ali, scheduled for Thursday. Ali’s appearance generated tremendous excitement among students, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. “The enthusiasm among students for Javed Ali’s performance is immense,” Biswas noted, expressing pride in the energy and engagement shown by all attendees. “Each student holds a unique talent, and Festhoma 2024 aims to celebrate that diversity.”

The festival included a variety of competitive and non-competitive events, spanning music, dance, drama, art, and sports. Thousands of students from participating schools demonstrated remarkable abilities, impressing faculty, peers, and guest judges alike. Principal Richelle Allais emphasized the value of such an event in shaping students’ holistic development, as it allowed them to grow in confidence and teamwork.

The principals observed that students often face pressure to excel academically, which can overshadow their innate creative talents. Through Festhoma 2024, the school aimed to alleviate some of this pressure, giving students an opportunity to balance academic rigor with creative exploration. Both principals expressed amazement at the students’ talents, remarking that the enthusiasm and dedication displayed reaffirmed the festival’s success in its goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Reflecting on the outcome of Festhoma 2024, Principal Biswas concluded, “Our objective was to bring out the hidden potential within each student, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness their achievements.” The festival’s success underscored St. Thomas School’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and celebrates student achievements in all forms.

As Festhoma 2024 concluded, it left behind memories and experiences that resonated with students, faculty, and parents. This annual tradition not only honors the school’s legacy but also inspires the next generation to pursue excellence, reminding them that education extends far beyond textbooks. The festival has indeed set a new standard for school events in Kolkata, and its impact will likely influence many to embrace and support similar initiatives across the state.