Introduction ( Covers: When the festival is celebrated?)

• Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in October or November every year, depending on the lunar calendar.
• It is one of the most important festivals in India, marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
• People across India celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and joy.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  ( Covers: What people do during this festival?)

• During Diwali, my family and I clean and decorate our house with colourful rangoli patterns and bright lights.
• We make a variety of sweets and savoury snacks, like laddoos, barfis, and samosas, to share with friends and neighbours.
• On Diwali night, we perform a Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and good fortune.
• I particularly enjoy the festive atmosphere, with everyone dressed in new clothes and visiting each other’s homes.

Key Highlights ( Covers: What you like or dislike about it?)

• One of the things I like most about Diwali is lighting diyas and candles all around the house. It creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• I also love the fireworks display. The vibrant colours and patterns in the sky are truly mesmerising.
• Another aspect I enjoy is the exchange of gifts and sweets. It strengthens bonds with family and friends and brings a sense of joy and togetherness.
• However, one thing I dislike is the noise and pollution caused by fireworks. It can be quite overwhelming and harmful to the environment.

Conclusion (Covers: Why this festival is important for you?)

• Diwali is important to me because it brings my family together and reinforces our cultural traditions.
• The festival is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection on the values of good over evil.
• Personally, Diwali creates lasting memories every year, from decorating the house to enjoying the festivities.
• In conclusion, Diwali is not just a festival; it is a celebration of light, love, and togetherness, making it an essential part of my life and culture.

Introduction  (Covers: When the festival is celebrated?)

• Holi, the Festival of Colours, is celebrated in India every year in March, marking the arrival of spring.
• It signifies the victory of good over evil and the end of winter, and is a day filled with joy and vibrancy.
• Holi is widely celebrated across India with immense enthusiasm and fun.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What people do during this festival?)

• During Holi, my family and I gather early in the morning to prepare for the festivities by mixing vibrant colours and filling water balloons.
• We join our friends and neighbours in an open space to play with colours, throwing powdered dyes and spraying coloured water on each other.
• Traditional sweets like gujiyas and thandai are prepared and enjoyed by everyone.
• I particularly enjoy the lively and carefree atmosphere, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate.

Key Highlights ( Covers: What you like or dislike about it?)
 

• One aspect I love about Holi is the playful application of colours. It brings out the child in everyone and creates a sense of unity and joy.
• The bonfire on the eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan, is another highlight. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
• I also appreciate the music and dancing that accompany the celebrations. Traditional songs and dance forms like bhangra add to the festive spirit.
• However, one thing I dislike is the misuse of water and sometimes harsh chemicals in the colours, which can be harmful to the skin and the environment.

Conclusion (Covers: Why this festival is important for you?)

• Holi is important to me because it brings my family and community together in a unique and joyful way.
• The festival is a celebration of colour, happiness, and the victory of good over evil.
• Personally, Holi leaves me with cherished memories each year, from the colourful celebrations to the delicious food.
• In conclusion, Holi is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, love, and unity, making it an integral part of my cultural heritage.

Introduction (Covers: When the festival is celebrated?)

• Pongal, a harvest festival, is celebrated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu every year in mid-January.
• It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s journey northward, known as Uttarayan.
• Pongal is a time of thanksgiving to nature, especially the sun god, for a bountiful harvest.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What people do during this festival?)

• During Pongal, my family and I wake up early to clean and decorate our house with colourful kolam (rangoli) designs.
• We prepare the special Pongal dish, a sweet rice pudding, in a new clay pot as an offering to the sun god.
• We also decorate our cattle with paint, flowers, and bells to honour their role in farming.
• I enjoy the festive atmosphere, as it is a time of gratitude and celebration of our agricultural roots.

Key Highlights  (Covers: What you like or dislike about it?)
 

• One aspect I love about Pongal is the traditional preparation of the Pongal dish, which brings the whole family together in the kitchen.
• The cattle procession is another highlight. It is a unique and vibrant event, showcasing beautifully adorned cattle.
• I also appreciate the cultural activities, such as folk dances, music, and traditional games that are organised during the festival.
• However, one thing I dislike is the pollution caused by the use of plastic decorations, which can harm the environment.

Conclusion (Covers: Why this festival is important for you?)

• Pongal is important to me because it connects me to my cultural heritage and the agricultural traditions of our ancestors.
• The festival is a celebration of gratitude, community, and the cycle of nature.
• Personally, Pongal leaves me with warm memories each year, from cooking the festive dishes to participating in the various cultural activities.
• In conclusion, Pongal is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, nature, and togetherness, making it an essential part of my life and culture.