Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country Cue Card

Why it is celebrated?

Diwali is a festival, usually, of lights and crackers. But if we look at the main idea behind the celebration of the festival, then it will amaze us. Diwali marks the victory of the good over the evil. And we all know how important it is to recognize and propagate kindness and humanity in the contemporary era. Moreover in this rising competition and losing the sense of belongingness amongst people it is of utmost importance.

What people do and explain what you like or dislike about it?

So, here is Diwali, giving us all of the joy and the moral lessons. It is celebrated mostly in North India and in October or November. Scientifically, if we look at these months, then it indicates the end of a Kharif period after the harvest, which gives money to the workers. And they prefer to spend by enjoying and celebrating the good harvest. Therefore, the Indian festivals are not only for the spiritual well–being or a source of happiness but also have some logical and reasonable factors behind them. Diwali is a festival of the two deities as well. Indians worship lord Ganesha and goddess Laxmi along with Kuber. People expect wealth and wisdom as a blessing from god. The festivals are a way of diffusing the feeling of collectivism, love, and happiness for all.

Why it is celebrated?

Holi is most commonly known as a festival of colours. The best part about the festival is that it involves the usage of multiple colours, locally known as ‘gulal’. Holi is a short name but conveys a huge meaning, it demarcates the success of the good over the evil. This value is represented by the colours which are used by all for all, be it an enemy or friend.

People use colours and sweet dish names and guitars for enhancing their bonds in every sphere and with every acquaintance. I would like to specify that ‘gujiya’ is a signature dish of holi and a special drink named ‘bhang’ is also one of the most important elements of the festival. These dishes enhance the authenticity of the festival and without these, Holi in North India is incomplete. The positive vibes and the kind behaviour are some additional elements that add – up to the good books of the festival. Holi also honours the Hindu god Krishna and the Holika-Prahlad mythology. Hiranyakashipu was a wicked ruler. He possessed unique abilities that rendered him practically unbeatable, and he desired to have everyone in his realm adore him.

What people do and explain what you like or dislike about it?

Another important feature of the festival involves forgiveness, perhaps for the sake of the festival. This festival of colours is celebrated during the spring season, in March, which has its beautiful identifications. The timing of the festival along with its colourful features spread fun and enthusiasm among the people all across the country. Holi brings positivity and optimism in the lives of the people. However, sometimes, it is also considered as the symbol of the returning of the sun back to the northern hemisphere with all its warmth and brightness.

Before the day on which Holi is celebrated, people also enjoy the ‘Holika Dahan’, which involves the killing of all the bad energy. Further, generating with everything new and positive among the souls of the people. Additionally, revising the story of the mythological characters of ‘Holika’ and the king ‘Hiranyakashyap’. Thus, the festival is completely marked by good energy and pleasant vibes.

Raksha Bandhan is usually celebrated in August, every year, and that too all over India, people celebrate it with the same joy and enthusiasm.

Why it is celebrated?

This festival manifests the love of a sister towards her brother and the care of a brother towards his sister. Not only the emotional bond is reflected but the festival also witnesses the feeling of care and protection of one towards the other.

What people do and explain what you like or dislike about it?

The most important characteristic of Raksha Bandhan is ‘Rakhi’, which is tied on the wrist of every brother by his sister, and in return, she expects the love and care of her brother. The name of the festival is a sole representative of its aim, the knots of all the ‘Rakhis’ on the wrist of their brother demands ‘Raksha’ in return. Although, apart from the celebration of the bond of the brother and sister, this modern era has also witnessed the changing regime. This can be highlighted by tying the ‘Rakhi’ on any wrist who we think is eligible to protect us from all the evils. But the purity and piousness of the relation are validated by Raksha Bandhan, which is the sole reason why it is celebrated all over the country. The festival involves fun and joy, followed by the exchange of gifts and love. Happiness and the feeling of the fraternity are amongst the important values promoted by the festival.