Festivals – Collective Heritage

Festivals – Collective Heritage

Power Point Presentation

The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people. It is for all of us to understand and appreciate the diversity of various cultures, people and nations.

To sensitize the students regarding this diversity, the students of classes IX and X were encouraged top prepare a Power Point Presentation on the countries of India, Spain, Japan USA and France. Six teams comprising of three students each worked on collecting the information regarding the festivals of the above stated countries.

Working under the guidance of the computer Science Teachers Ms. Seema Vigh and Ms. Mamta Chaudhary, the student s were asked to prepare a power point presentation of 12-14 slides showcasing the various, festivals, traditions, art and culture of the countries in focus.

The wonderful presentations filled the audience comprising the students of classes IX and X. The participants came out with amazing presentations and their effort was quite visible in the result. The research they had done in bringing out the similarities between the Indian festivals and the festivals the world mesmerized the audience. They watched the presentations with great curiosity absorbing in every bit of information and realizing how similar we are.

The activity aiming at developing a better understanding among the students regarding the diversity in the world was positively received by the students.

After the presentations there was a question and Answer session with the audience. They participated with great enthusiasm and were quite eager to present their answers.

Ms. Shaloo Nanda the activity coordinator was also present for assistance and guidance.

Ms. Roopali Sinha and Mr. Amit Kumar Kushwaha; the ISA coordinators were also present for the event.

Dusshera also known as Vijayadashmi – celebrates the victory of Good over Evil. Northern India observes Ravana’s idols being burnt signifying the restoration of faith in good.

Summer festival – Holi

The Tomato Battle in Bunol, Spain. Spain La Tomatina – the highlight of the festival is the last tomato fight held on the last Wednesday of August.

In India – The festival of colours is the most amiable festival of the country. Holika Dahan takes place a night before Holi where all negatives are burnt in a bonfire. On the main day, people play with organic colours as they groove in the tunes of music Baisakhi (India) – The common interest in both these festivals is the jubilance among the farmers for a successful harvest season.

Spain – Las Fellas – this unique fire festival is commemorated as a feast day which is celebrated in the honour of St. Joseph. The festival marks the end of evil powers, called NINOTS which are made up of wood and cardboard. Later these are put into fire symbolically marking the end of evil which is very similar to Dusshera.

The participants came out with amazing presentations and their efforts were quite visible in the result. The research they had made in bringing out the similarities between the festivals celebrated in India and the festivals across the world mesmerized the audience.

The first team focused on bringing out the similarities between the Indian festivals and the festivals of pain ‘Las Fellas’ celebrated in Spain is quite similar to Dusshera also known as Vijayadashami in India. ‘Las Fellas’ celebrated in Spain marks the end of evil powers, called NINOTS which are made up of wood and cardboard .Later these are put into fire symbolically marking the end of evil. Dusshera also celebrates the victory of good over evil ‘Ravana’s idols are burnt all over Northern India signifying the restoration of faith in Good.

La Tomatina or the Tomatoes battle in Bunol Spain is very similar to Holi. The festivals of colours of India. In La Tomatina people throw tomatoes at each other and in Holi people through colours.

The second team brought out the similarities between the festivals of India and the festivals of the USA. Bhut choturdoshi celebrated in West Bengal, India has many similarities with Halloween celebrated in the USA. The students brought out the interesting theory behind both these festivals and the way they are celebrated which is overwhelmingly similar. In both these festivals people put candles and lanterns outside their houses to ward off evil spirit.

The international Kite flying festival of Gujrat finds a parallel in Hamamatsu Giant Kite festival of Japan which was started in the 16^th century during both these festivals, one can see beautiful skies covered with kites of different sizes, designs and colours .the third team brought out these similarities between the Indian and the Japanese festivals.

The last team showcased the Indian Festivals and their parallels in the festivals celebrated in France. Festival of lights celebrated in France shares resemblance with Indian Diwali celebration. In France, people illuminate their widows with candles and creatively decorate the entire city. In India people celebrate the festivals of Diwali by lightening diyas, drawing rangolies, decorating houses and wearing new clothes. The celebration on the independence day of India on 15^th August are very much like the celebrations of Bastille day in Paris, France on July 14.There is a traditional military parade along the champs Elyees just like the flag hoisting ceremonies, parades and  other cultural events on 15^th August in India. It was a very interesting activity and students learnt a great deal about the five countries.