Neha loves the month of October. Her family cleans the whole house, makes sweets, lights diyas and bursts crackers. It is Diwali time!
Her friend Imran looks forward to Eid, when his family prays together and shares delicious seviyan with neighbours.
India is a land of many festivals. People of different religions and regions celebrate different festivals, but the joy and togetherness are the same everywhere.
A festival is a special day or time when people come together to celebrate. Festivals may be religious, cultural, or national. On festival days, people wear new clothes, cook special food, sing, dance and spend time with family and friends.
Think about it: What is your favourite festival? What special things does your family do on that day?
Diwali -- The Festival of Lights
Diwali is celebrated by lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles. Families clean and decorate their homes, make sweets like ladoo and barfi, and share gifts. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Holi -- The Festival of Colours
Holi is a joyful festival where people play with colours -- dry gulal and wet colours. Friends and neighbours smear colours on each other and say "Happy Holi!" Special treats like gujiya and thandai are prepared.
Eid -- The Festival of Prayers and Sharing
On Eid, people offer prayers at the mosque, wear new clothes and greet each other with "Eid Mubarak." Families prepare seviyan (sweet vermicelli) and share food with neighbours and the poor.
Christmas -- The Festival of Joy and Giving
Christmas is celebrated on 25th December. People decorate a Christmas tree, go to church, sing carols and exchange gifts. Children believe that Santa Claus brings them presents. Families enjoy cake and a special meal together.
Baisakhi -- The Harvest Festival
Baisakhi is celebrated mainly in Punjab to mark the harvest of wheat. Farmers are happy because their hard work has paid off. People perform the lively Bhangra and Giddha dances, visit gurudwaras and enjoy festive meals.
Think about it: Festivals are celebrated in different ways, but they all bring happiness. Can you name a festival celebrated in your state?
National festivals are celebrated by all Indians, no matter which religion or state they belong to.
| Festival | Date | Why We Celebrate |
|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26th January | On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect. A grand parade is held in New Delhi. |
| Independence Day | 15th August | On this day in 1947, India became free from British rule. The Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort. |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2nd October | The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. We remember his message of truth and non-violence. |
On national festivals, the tricolour flag is hoisted in schools, offices and public places. We sing the national anthem and feel proud to be Indian.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Festival | A special occasion when people celebrate together |
| Diya | A small oil lamp lit during Diwali |
| Gulal | Coloured powder used during Holi |
| Seviyan | Sweet vermicelli prepared during Eid |
| Harvest | The time when crops are gathered from the fields |
| National festival | A festival celebrated by the whole nation |
| Tricolour | The Indian national flag with saffron, white and green stripes |
Festivals bring people together. Families meet, neighbours share food, and everyone is happy. Festivals teach us to respect each other's customs and traditions. They remind us of important events in our history and culture.
In India, people of different religions often celebrate each other's festivals. A Hindu family may share sweets on Eid, and a Muslim family may light diyas on Diwali. This is what makes India special.
Baisakhi comes in April, during the harvest season. Farmers celebrate because their wheat crop is ready. Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Onam in Kerala are also harvest festivals celebrated in different seasons.
On Independence Day, students gather in the school ground. The principal hoists the national flag. Children sing patriotic songs, give speeches and perform dances. Sweets are distributed to everyone.
During Eid, Amina's mother makes extra seviyan and sends bowls to all the neighbours -- Hindu, Sikh and Christian families. Everyone enjoys the sweet dish. Festivals teach us to share and care.
A. Fill in the Blanks
B. Multiple Choice Questions
C. Match the Following
| Festival | What We Do | |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali | ___ | Play with colours |
| Holi | ___ | Hoist the national flag |
| Christmas | ___ | Light diyas |
| Republic Day | ___ | Decorate a tree and exchange gifts |
D. Short Answer
Festival Chart: Ask 5 family members or friends about their favourite festival. Write their answers below and find out which festival is the most popular.
| Person's Name | Favourite Festival | One Thing They Do |
|---|---|---|
The most popular festival is: __________________