Hinglish

Festivals Galore

Class 6 Social Science · Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 8.4

Learn

India has festivals almost every month. Some celebrate the seasons and the harvest, some honour gods and saints, and some remember great events. Neighbours of different faiths often celebrate Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Guru Purab and Buddha Purnima together.

In mid-January, when the Sun begins its journey north, people across India celebrate the harvest. It is Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri and Maghi in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat (with kites!), Magh Bihu in Assam, Khichdi in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and Makar Sankranti in many states.

The names, foods and customs are different: sweet pongal cooked in new pots, bonfires and dancing at Lohri, kites over Gujarat, feasts and buffalo fights in Assam. But the idea is the same: giving thanks for the harvest and welcoming longer, warmer days.

Festivals bring families and communities together, keep traditions alive, and let people share food, music and joy. They are one of the clearest examples of the Many in the One.

Explore: which state?

  1. Sort each festival under its state.

Remember

  • The mid-January harvest festival has many names: Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan, Magh Bihu, Makar Sankranti.
  • Different customs, one idea: thanks for the harvest. Festivals of all faiths are shared by neighbours.

Quick check

Uttarayan, Lohri, Pongal and Magh Bihu are …

  1. names of the same harvest season in different states
  2. different rivers
  3. kinds of silk
  4. mountain ranges
Answer

names of the same harvest season in different states. One season, many names: unity in diversity.

Think about it

Which harvest festival is celebrated in your region, and what is special about it?

One answer

Answers will vary. Look for the shared idea, thanks for the harvest and a new season, along with the local name, food and customs.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.