As we step into the beautiful months of October and November, the air around us is filled with excitement, joy, and the warmth of togetherness. With Sunbeam World School’s home-based education, this time of year holds a special significance as we embrace the vibrant festive season with our homeschooled students. It’s a period where we celebrate diversity, joy, and the many cultures and traditions that make us unique.
India is a vibrant nation with many colourful festivities. According to the Indian calendar, there is often a celebration day every day. A number of festivals are held in October and November.
Navratri marks the beginning, and Diwali marks the end. During this occasion, people shop, indulge in sweets, and clean their entire houses, stores, offices, and even their places of employment. The markets are crowded with people during this joyous time of year. In Hinduism, Navratri, also known as Durga Puja, is a significant holiday celebrated in honour of the divine feminine. Navratri is often spelled Navaratri.
The entire name of the event is Sharad Navratri (Sanskrit: “nine nights”). Over the course of nine days, in the month of Ashvin, or Ashvina, comes Navratri. The celebration of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, usually marks its conclusion on the tenth day.
In certain regions of India, Dussehra is observed as the festival’s centrepiece, hence it actually lasts for ten days as opposed to just nine. Furthermore, because Navratri is based on the lunar calendar, it can be observed for eight days in some years, with Dussehra falling on the ninth. There are four such celebrations, also named Navratri, that take place throughout the year; the most important one being the early fall festival, also known as Sharad Navratri.
Sunbeam World School later elaborates about Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, which is a prominent Indian holiday observed on the tenth day of Ashvin month according to the Hindu calendar. In Hindu tradition, the day marks the end of a nine-day fast known as Navratri. The goddess Durga’s idol is submerged on the same day. The purpose of the celebration is to remember when Lord Rama slew Ravana. The day also commemorates Goddess Durga’s defeat over the monster Mahishasur. The celebration of Dussehra serves to propagate the idea that virtue triumphs over vice.
Since then, people have commemorated the day with zeal and enthusiasm. Numerous mythical stories are connected to this day. As stated in the Ramayana, on this day, Lord Rama murdered Ravana in retaliation for the latter’s heinous deed of stealing Goddess Sita. According to mythology, Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura following a protracted period of his tyranny and cruelty.
India’s largest and most significant holiday is Diwali, also known as Deepawali. The row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to represent the inner light that guards against spiritual darkness is the source of the festival’s name. For Hindus, this event holds the same significance as Christmas for Christians. Throughout the ages, Diwali has developed into a national holiday celebrated by most Indians, including Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Hindus. On the second day, people use clay lamps to decorate their homes and use colourful powders or sand to create rangoli designs on the floor.
The festival’s main event takes place on the third day, when families get together for Lakshmi puja, which is a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by delectable food and fireworks displays. Nowadays, Diwali is observed in most parts of the world due to its joyous and rich flavour.
Also Read: Deepawali – A Festival of Learning and Light
Importance of Festive Celebrations at Sunbeam World School
- Cultural Diversity— Festive season with Sunbeam World School’s homeschooling helps to embrace cultural diversity among our students.
- Family Involvement— Here at Sunbeam World School, we believe that the festive season is a wonderful time to strengthen our school-family bond.
- Teaching Festive Values— At Sunbeam World School, we see festivals not just as celebrations but as opportunities to instil important values in our students.
Conclusion
As we celebrate this festive season, we at Sunbeam World School look forward to the joy it brings to our homeschool community. Through stories and virtual togetherness, our students will better appreciate the world’s many cultures and traditions.
Sunbeam World School wishes everyone a joyous and peaceful festive season!
Warm regards,
Team Sunbeam World School
