Page 69 - MONSOON EDITION

TEACHERS’ CORNER

MAITRAYEE CHAKRAVARTI
ENGLISH - PRT
Mark Twain rightly said, “India is the cradle of the human race… the grandmother of legend, and the great
grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most constructive materials in the history of man are treasured
up in India only.”

Our nation India, is of one of the most ancient civilisations in the world. Quite naturally, it has evolved into a
th
kaleidoscope of various heritage sites and a melting pot of innumerable cultures. The 7 largest country in the
world, in terms of size, our nation has almost all geographical features ranging from the mountain ranges to
deserts, from seas and bays to plateaus and valleys. Naturally the dressing and food habits, habitats, behavioral
patterns, religious affinities, languages/ dialects and festivals greatly vary across the spectrum of the land. It will
not be an exaggeration if we say that in India, we have festivals every day, all year round. And each festival
celebrates the basic cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of the region or community – with feelings of joy and
sorrow entwined with the essence of the occasion.

There are few festivals which are celebrated across the country. They essentially celebrate the same event, but
they are different in names, rituals and tastes, of course. One such festival is the Makar Sankranti (Gujarat,
Rajasthan)/Pongal (Southern parts of India)/ Lohri (North India)/ Poush Parbon( East India). It is celebrated
to thank the Gods for the abundant gift of crops; and mark the end of the harvesting season. It also signifies the
end of a cycle of life with the end of winter and ushers in Spring which signifies the beginning of new life. People
prepare delicacies, the recipes of which are handed down through generations to celebrate the occasion. Vasant
Panchami/Saraswati puja is celebrated across Eastern Indian states to worship the Goddess of knowledge.
Losar – the Tibetan New Year, which is celebrated in Ladakh, is a unique amalgamation of ancient practices and
rituals. Dance and drama take the centre stage during this festival where people celebrate by carrying flaming
torches and chanting Mantras. Nowruz – the Parsi new Year is celebrated with rituals at fire temples and
traditional delicacies being dished out. We must not forget about Baisakhi/ Poila boisakh/ Ugadi/ Bohag
Bihu/Vishu –all festivals to usher in the new year ; celebrated with traditional rituals, food and attire. Holi, one of
the most colourful festivals in the world, is also celebrated across India and marks an end to Spring and the
beginning of summer. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil as bonfires are lit for Holika dahan. Another
festival which also marks the victory of good over evil and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is Easter
Sunday. It is celebrated after the solemn event to mark the Lord's death on Good Friday. The month-long fasting
in the month of Ramzan culminating in the celebration of glorious Eid-al-Fitr is one of the biggest religious
festivals in India. It is celebrated with vigour and splendour by Muslims across the country. Ramadan celebrates
the spirit of abstinence and Eid celebrates the spirit of brotherhood. Rakshabandhan celebrates communal
harmony. When Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Guru Nanak Jayanti are celebrated to mark the birthdays
of religious leaders and prophets; Muharram is celebrated to mourn the loss of lives amidst adverse situations.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp and splendor to celebrate Ganpati Bappa's homecoming. But
perhaps the greatest religious festival, is Durga Puja or Navratri which is celebrated in autumn. This festival has
multiple layers of significance. For one, it celebrates the victory of good over evil. It strikes a chord of emotional
attachment with people, when it essays the customary homecoming of Maa Durga; her stay in her earthly abode
for nine days and the final adieu on Dashami. Yet another cultural significance to this festival. It's believed that
Lord Ram killed Ravan on this day and Dussehra is celebrated, with idols and firecrackers being burnt to rejoice in
the restoration of faith on goodness. The next festival that lights up entire India is Deepawali/ Diwali. Legend has
it that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years, on this day and so people light up their homes with diyas and
burn firecrackers to celebrate the occasion. Some communities worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi to
usher in prosperity. And no article on festivals would be complete without the mention of Christmas and the
ensuing festivities, with rich plum cakes and Santa Claus coming along in his sledge to shower presents on little
ones.
The adage Unity in Diversity is not only mentioned in books; but it is also followed by the citizens of this ancient yet
modern country. The dress, food, rituals, music – during festivals - all contribute to the enriching and enlivening
experiences… truly making
Mile sur mera tumhara/ Toh sur bane hamara – complete.
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