3rd Grade ICSE

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Chapter: 14. Festivals Of India

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Republic Day is a significant national festival celebrated annually on January 26th, marking the day India adopted its Constitution. The main celebration features a grand and colourful parade along Rajpath in New Delhi. Various contingents participate, including the army, navy, air force, school children, and representatives showcasing different states’ cultures and heritage. The President of India takes the salute, symbolizing the nation’s respect for its democratic principles and the rule of law. This day is a powerful display of India’s unity, strength, and diverse heritage.

Celebrating festivals together holds immense importance in India, playing a crucial role in fostering strong community bonds and promoting national unity. These occasions bring joy and happiness as people from diverse backgrounds gather to exchange gifts, share delicious meals, and participate in collective activities like singing and praying. This shared experience helps in understanding and respecting different cultures and religions, bridging societal divides. Ultimately, these community celebrations transcend individual differences, creating a powerful sense of togetherness and contributing significantly to the social harmony and collective well-being of the entire nation.

Diwali is a major religious festival, known as the festival of lights, celebrated twenty days after Dussehra. It marks the joyous return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and his brother Lakshman to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. During this auspicious time, people meticulously clean and beautifully decorate their homes with traditional lamps (diyas) and various lights. Families come together to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha for good beginnings and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The celebrations are further brightened by the exchange of sweets and gifts among loved ones, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

India celebrates three main types of festivals that bring people together. National festivals, like Republic Day, are observed by everyone across the country, signifying national pride and unity. Religious festivals, such as Diwali or Eid, are linked to specific faiths but are often celebrated together by people from various backgrounds, promoting interfaith harmony. Harvest festivals, like Holi or Onam, are occasions to give thanks for abundant crops and mark the changing seasons, highlighting the agricultural cycle. These diverse celebrations reflect India’s rich cultural tapestry and shared joy among its people.

India is home to a variety of harvest festivals, each with distinct traditions celebrating the agricultural bounty. One such festival is Holi, often called the festival of colours, which joyfully marks the arrival of the spring season. On the eve of Holi, people sing songs around a campfire, and the next day, they exuberantly spray coloured water and powders on each other. Another significant harvest festival is Onam, celebrated primarily in Kerala. A unique aspect of Onam is the beautiful floral designs, known as rangoli or Pookalams, used to decorate homes, and the spectacular snake boat races organized on the backwaters, which are a major cultural highlight.

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