Celebrating Festivals Chapter Notes | EVS Class 3: The World around us (Our Wondrous World) PDF Download

Introduction

The chapter "Festival of Flowers" revolves around Rishi and his family as they travel to the Himalayas to visit his maternal uncle (Mama) and his family. The chapter captures their journey, the beauty of nature, and the conversations about the vibrant flower festivals celebrated in different parts of India. It also highlights the bond between cousins and their shared experiences of spring festivals.

Explanation

Journey to the Himalayas

Rishi, a boy from Jammu, travels with his parents to the Himalayas to visit his Mama, Mami, and cousins, Chiya and Nonikaa. The family takes a bus ride through scenic hills covered with colorful flowers and tall trees. 

They are warmly received by Mamaji at the bus stop, and the family heads toward the village on a concrete road that leads to a narrow mud road.

Exploring the Garden

Upon reaching their Mama’s house, Rishi is amazed by the variety of flowers in the garden. He recognizes roses, marigolds, and hibiscus but is curious about the other beautiful flowers. His cousin Nonikaa introduces him to tulips.

Kashmiri Lunch and Festivals

The family enjoys a traditional Kashmiri lunch of haakh with hot rice. Over lunch, Nonikaa talks about the Kashmir Tulip Festival. Rishi shares about the spring festival in his hometown, where they decorate homes with mustard and buransh flowers (Rhododendron). Chiya adds that her friend Unni from Kerala celebrates Vishu with yellow amaltas flowers.

Celebrating Nature

Mami explains that spring is a celebration of nature, where flowers bloom, the grass grows, and new leaves sprout on trees after the cold winter. Rishi expresses how the colorful flowers make him happy, making the entire trip a joyful experience.

Points to Remember 

1. Awareness of Nature – The chapter introduces children to different types of flowers and their importance in various festivals.

2. Cultural Diversity – Students learn about the various spring festivals celebrated across India, emphasizing the cultural richness of the country.

3. Seasonal Changes – The chapter highlights how nature undergoes transformation during spring, with blooming flowers and growing plants.

4. Family and Tradition – The importance of family bonding and sharing cultural practices is emphasized.

5. Environmental Appreciation – The beauty of the natural environment is showcased, encouraging students to appreciate and take care of nature.

Difficult Words

• Himalayas – A large mountain range in northern India.
• Mama – Mother’s brother.
• Mami – Wife of Mama.
• Scenic – Beautiful natural surroundings.
• Hairpin Turns – Sharp curves on a road, usually found in hilly areas.
• Rhododendron – A type of flowering plant that grows in the Himalayas, also called buransh.
• Vishu – A festival celebrated in Kerala marking the Hindu New Year.
• Amaltas – A type of tree with bright yellow flowers.
• Tulip – A bulbous spring-flowering plant with bright, showy flowers.
• Haakh – A traditional Kashmiri dish made of leafy greens.