Test: Festivals and Celebrations - 2 - Class 3 MCQ

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It's celebrated by lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets. Diwali is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, each with their own historical events and stories related to the festival. For Hindus, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. An interesting fact is that Diwali aligns with the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls in October or November.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, signifying the victory of good over evil. It's observed on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin, which typically falls in September or October. The festival involves enacting scenes from the Ramayana, culminating in the burning of Ravana effigies. An interesting fact is that Dussehra also marks the end of Durga Puja, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Independence Day, celebrated on 15th August every year, commemorates India's freedom from British rule in 1947. This day marks the nation's independence after a long and arduous struggle for freedom, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. It's a day of national pride, celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country. An interesting fact is that the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi on this day in 1947.

Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated on 26th November each year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26th November 1949. However, it officially came into effect on 26th January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. Constitution Day was declared in 2015 to promote constitutional values among citizens. An interesting fact is that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known as the Father of the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in its drafting.

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their love and prayers for their brothers' well-being, while the brothers vow to protect their sisters. The festival strengthens the bond of love between siblings and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. An interesting fact is that Raksha Bandhan is not limited to biological relationships and can be observed among individuals who share a brotherly-sisterly bond, regardless of their familial connection.

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This festival is observed by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and giving of charity (Zakat al-Fitr). An interesting fact is that the exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr varies each year and depends on the sighting of the moon, leading to different countries celebrating it on different days.

Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in the Punjab region of India. It marks the end of winter and the onset of the harvest season. Lohri is celebrated by lighting bonfires, singing and dancing around them, and sharing foods like gajak, peanuts, and popcorn. The festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice and is associated with the harvest of rabi crops. An interesting fact is that Lohri celebrations include a tribute to the Sun God for the heat and energy that contribute to a bountiful harvest.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. It is celebrated with great devotion in India, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, where beautifully crafted idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals for worship. The festival concludes with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idols in water, symbolizing a ritual see-off of his journey towards his abode, taking away the misfortunes of his devotees. An interesting fact about Ganesh Chaturthi is that it was popularized as a public event by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century, to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins and build unity against British colonial rule.

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. It is celebrated twice a year, with the most significant celebrations taking place in the autumn. During Navratri, devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and engage in night-long dances and prayers. The festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, as it commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. An interesting fact about Navratri is that it culminates in Dussehra, the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana, which further symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurpurab, is celebrated with great reverence and joy among Sikhs. Devotees visit Gurudwaras, where special prayers and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are recited. One of the hallmarks of the celebration is the Langar, a community kitchen where a free meal is served to all visitors, regardless of religion or background, emphasizing equality and the spirit of sharing. The festival also includes processions (Nagar Kirtan) and early morning hymn recitations (Asa-di-Var). An interesting fact about Guru Nanak is that he laid the foundation for Sikhism based on principles of equality, love, and community service.