Unit 2 · Festivals and Celebrations
Festivals and Celebrations
Reading I: Battle of the Oranges
A. Match the words with their meaning.
a. mush → a soft thick mass of mixture
b. jerk → to make something move with a sudden short sharp movement
c. concussion → a temporary loss of consciousness
d. pulp → the soft part inside fruits and vegetables
e. clutch → to hold something tightly
f. sip → to drink something, taking a very small amount each time
B. Write 'True' for true statements and 'False' for false ones.
a.The tourists are informed to wear a red hat through public notices.
Answer: True
b.Aranceri seems dressed in Doctor Whoesque costumes.
Answer: True
c.When a cart approaches, aranceri run away from the square.
Answer: False
d.The narrator feels bored during the festival period.
Answer: False
e.The volunteers encourage the visitors to join the battle.
Answer: False
f.The narrator accepts Massi's offer.
Answer: False
C. Answer the following questions.
a.What does the red hat symbolize?
Answer: The red hat, called "berretto frigio", symbolizes freedom. It has historical roots dating back to Roman times and the Middle Ages and has been used since the carnival in Ivrea.
b.How does the narrator feel when she wipes her face?
Answer: The narrator feels shocked and frightened when she wipes her face and sees blood. She worries she might need stitches or even get a concussion.
c.What does the square look like after an hour battle of the oranges?
Answer: After an hour of battle, the square is smeared with a thick sludge of orange pulp and horse dung. A pungent and bittersweet aroma hangs in the air.
d.How do aranceri members chase the cart?
Answer: The aranceri members chase the cart by running at it and throwing oranges at the opponents on horse-drawn carriages. They follow the cart around the square and continue to bombard it.
e.Does Silvia enjoy this carnival? Why?
Answer: Yes, Silvia enjoys the carnival because she finds it helps her get rid of the frustrations accumulated during the year. It clears her mind and provides her psychological relief.
f.Why does Massi say, "Forget the nets"?
Answer: Massi says, "Forget the nets" because he wants to go all in on the carnival. He thinks a bit of the battle is part of the fun and feels a small danger of injury is almost essential to enjoying the event.
D. You might know about some unique festivals like "Battle of the Oranges". Collect some information about any one of such festivals.
Answer: Bisket Jatra
Bisket Jatra, also known as Bisket or Sindoor Jatra, is a traditional festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It takes place annually during the Nepali month of Baisakh which falls in April and holds great cultural and religious significance.
The festival honors Lord Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and the goddess Bhadrakali. The highlight of Bisket Jatra is the chariot procession where two massive chariots dedicated to the deities are pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by enthusiastic devotees. Competing teams strive to earn the honor of pulling the chariots as it is believed to bring good fortune for the year.
Bisket Jatra also features cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and theatrical displays. The festival attracts a large crowd of both locals and tourists who witness the vibrant atmosphere and participate in the festivities. People dress in traditional attire and the streets are filled with music, drum beats, and cheers.
The festival has ancient origins believed to date back several centuries to the Kirata era, later assimilated into the Hindu culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Bisket Jatra showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their traditions.
In conclusion, Bisket Jatra is a joyous and vibrant festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It honors Lord Bhairava and the goddess Bhadrakali, featuring a grand chariot procession and various cultural displays. The festival is an important part of the local culture and attracts people from all around to witness and participate in the festivities.
Bisket Jatra, also known as Bisket or Sindoor Jatra, is a traditional festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It takes place annually during the Nepali month of Baisakh which falls in April and holds great cultural and religious significance.
The festival honors Lord Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and the goddess Bhadrakali. The highlight of Bisket Jatra is the chariot procession where two massive chariots dedicated to the deities are pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by enthusiastic devotees. Competing teams strive to earn the honor of pulling the chariots as it is believed to bring good fortune for the year.
Bisket Jatra also features cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and theatrical displays. The festival attracts a large crowd of both locals and tourists who witness the vibrant atmosphere and participate in the festivities. People dress in traditional attire and the streets are filled with music, drum beats, and cheers.
The festival has ancient origins believed to date back several centuries to the Kirata era, later assimilated into the Hindu culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Bisket Jatra showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their traditions.
In conclusion, Bisket Jatra is a joyous and vibrant festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It honors Lord Bhairava and the goddess Bhadrakali, featuring a grand chariot procession and various cultural displays. The festival is an important part of the local culture and attracts people from all around to witness and participate in the festivities.
Grammar I: Indirect Speech
A. Change the following sentences into indirect speech. The beginning of each sentence is given.
a."Are you working tonight?" → Agaman asked Timothy ______
Answer: Agaman asked Timothy if he was working that night.
b."Is this the road to the station?" → A stranger wanted to know from me ______
Answer: A stranger wanted to know from me if that was the road to the station.
c."Did you do your homework?" → My friend inquired her ______
Answer: My friend inquired her if she had done her homework.
d."Have you been to Paris?" → The tourist was asked ______
Answer: The tourist was asked if he had been to Paris.
e."How long have you been working in this company?" → Usha inquired Anuj ______
Answer: Usha inquired Anuj how long he had been working in that company.
f."What flavour ice cream did you have at the party?" → My mother asked me ______
Answer: My mother asked me what flavour ice cream I had had at the party.
g."Have you studied reported speech before?" → The teacher wanted to know ______
Answer: The teacher wanted to know if they had studied reported speech before.
h."Where will you stay tonight?" → I asked him ______
Answer: I asked him where he would stay that night.
i."How many players were shown yellow card by the referee?" → Sumangal asked his friend ______
Answer: Sumangal asked his friend how many players had been shown yellow cards by the referee.
j."What magic did the medicine have on the patient?" → Sarita wanted to know from Sommaya ______
Answer: Sarita wanted to know from Sommaya what magic the medicine had had on the patient.
B. Change the following remarks into reported speech.
a.Kritika asked me, "Why did you go out last night?"
Answer: Kritika asked me why I had gone out the previous night.
b."Who was that beautiful woman, Usha?" said Sunita.
Answer: Sunita asked Usha who that beautiful woman had been.
c."How is your mother?" said Gaurab to Yang Dolma.
Answer: Gaurab asked Yang Dolma how her mother was.
d.My friend wanted to know, "What are you going to do at the weekend?"
Answer: My friend wanted to know what I was going to do at the weekend.
e."Where will you live after graduation?" said my teacher.
Answer: My teacher asked me where I would live after graduation.
f.Anusha said to Melisha, "What were you doing when I saw you?"
Answer: Anusha asked Melisha what she had been doing when she had seen her.
g.I said to the pilgrim, "How was the journey?"
Answer: I asked the pilgrim how the journey had been.
h."How often do you go to cinema?" said Krishana.
Answer: Krishna asked how often I went to the cinema.
i."Do you live in Patan?" said the Principal.
Answer: The Principal asked me if I lived in Patan.
j.Niraj said to Luniva, "Did Phadindra arrive on time?"
Answer: Niraj asked Luniva if Phadindra had arrived on time.
Writing I: Essay
Write an essay describing a festival which is celebrated in your community. Include its brief history, people involved, major activities, religious or social importance, duration, and drawbacks, if any.
Dashain
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. Lasting for fifteen days, it falls in the month of Ashwin which corresponds to September or October and holds immense cultural and religious importance for the Nepalese people.
Dashain honors the goddess Durga, a divine embodiment of female power and strength. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil symbolized by the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasur. During Dashain, it is believed that the goddess descends to Earth to bless her devotees.
The festival entails various rituals and customs. Homes and temples are adorned with colorful decorations and people engage in elaborate prayers and ceremonies to worship the goddess Durga. Animal sacrifices, particularly of goats and buffaloes, are performed as offerings to the goddess followed by feasting on the meat as part of festive meals.
Dashain is a time of family reunions and gatherings. People return to their ancestral homes to celebrate together. The festival is characterized by exchanging gifts, feasting on delicious traditional meals, and participating in various cultural activities. Flying kites, swinging on bamboo swings called ping, and playing traditional games are popular during this time.
One of the highlights of Dashain is receiving tika and blessings from elders. Elders apply a mixture of red vermillion powder, rice, and yogurt on the foreheads of younger family members as a symbol of protection and good fortune. This ritual strengthens family ties and fosters a sense of unity and respect.
Despite its beauty, Dashain does have some drawbacks. The mass movement of people from cities to villages causes overcrowded buses and traffic congestion. Some families face financial pressure to buy new clothes and gifts. Additionally, concerns about animal rights have led to debates about the practice of animal sacrifice.
In conclusion, Dashain is the most prominent festival in Nepal celebrated over fifteen days in honor of the goddess Durga. It involves elaborate rituals, feasting, and the exchange of blessings and gifts. Dashain is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural festivities that reflect the vibrant spirit of Nepalese traditions and customs.
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. Lasting for fifteen days, it falls in the month of Ashwin which corresponds to September or October and holds immense cultural and religious importance for the Nepalese people.
Dashain honors the goddess Durga, a divine embodiment of female power and strength. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil symbolized by the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasur. During Dashain, it is believed that the goddess descends to Earth to bless her devotees.
The festival entails various rituals and customs. Homes and temples are adorned with colorful decorations and people engage in elaborate prayers and ceremonies to worship the goddess Durga. Animal sacrifices, particularly of goats and buffaloes, are performed as offerings to the goddess followed by feasting on the meat as part of festive meals.
Dashain is a time of family reunions and gatherings. People return to their ancestral homes to celebrate together. The festival is characterized by exchanging gifts, feasting on delicious traditional meals, and participating in various cultural activities. Flying kites, swinging on bamboo swings called ping, and playing traditional games are popular during this time.
One of the highlights of Dashain is receiving tika and blessings from elders. Elders apply a mixture of red vermillion powder, rice, and yogurt on the foreheads of younger family members as a symbol of protection and good fortune. This ritual strengthens family ties and fosters a sense of unity and respect.
Despite its beauty, Dashain does have some drawbacks. The mass movement of people from cities to villages causes overcrowded buses and traffic congestion. Some families face financial pressure to buy new clothes and gifts. Additionally, concerns about animal rights have led to debates about the practice of animal sacrifice.
In conclusion, Dashain is the most prominent festival in Nepal celebrated over fifteen days in honor of the goddess Durga. It involves elaborate rituals, feasting, and the exchange of blessings and gifts. Dashain is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural festivities that reflect the vibrant spirit of Nepalese traditions and customs.
Reading II: Thanksgiving Around the World
A. The meanings of some of the words from the text are given below. Find the words and write against the correct meanings.
a. in a way occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady → intermittently
b. to remind people of an important event or person from the past → commemorate
c. in a way that shows the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person or thing → typically
d. a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at each end → crescent-shaped
e. full of life and energy → vibrant
f. a person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people → revellers
g. from or in another country; seeming exciting and unusual → exotic
h. to spread through and be easy to notice → pervade
i. brightly coloured and likely to attract attention → flamboyant
j. done quickly and with a lot of activity, but not very well organized → frantic
B. The following events represent different activities observed during Thanksgiving around the world. Study them carefully and write the names of countries where they are celebrated.
a.Families gather for a feast in the evening accompanied by dancing and singing.
Answer: Liberia
b.People wear new clothes and get community blessings.
Answer: Iran
c.Palm nut soup, fish and traditional Kpokoi are served.
Answer: Ghana
d.People return to their hometowns to celebrate the festival.
Answer: South Korea
e.Celebrants go to the beach in a noisy way.
Answer: Brazil
f.Parades are taken out in the streets.
Answer: USA
g.Food and wine are offered to the forefathers.
Answer: South Korea
C. Answer the following questions.
a.What is the main feature of American Thanksgiving?
Answer: The main feature of American Thanksgiving is a large feast with family and friends, typically centered around a roasted turkey and traditional side dishes.
b.What do parades include in Thanksgiving in America?
Answer: Parades in Thanksgiving in America typically include floats, marching bands, performers, and huge balloons based on cartoon characters, current Broadway shows, and other typical themes.
c.When and why is Chuseok celebrated in Korea?
Answer: Chuseok is celebrated in Korea on the 15th day of August according to the lunar calendar. It is a harvest festival honoring ancestors and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.
d.How did Thanksgiving begin in Brazil?
Answer: Thanksgiving began in Brazil when former Brazilian President Gaspar Dutra visited the USA and became fascinated with the holiday. He established the festival in Brazil in 1949.
e.Who started Thanksgiving in Liberia? Why was it started?
Answer: Thanksgiving in Liberia was started by freed slaves who returned to Africa from the United States in the 19th century. It is celebrated to give thanks for freedom and to remember their heritage.
f.What is Thanksgiving celebrated in Barbados for?
Answer: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Barbados for marking the end of the sugar cane harvest season.
g.What is Homowo marked in Ghana?
Answer: Homowo is marked in Ghana by the Ga people as a harvest festival that involves offering thanks to the gods for a good harvest and commemorating a period of famine in the Ga people's history.
D. How do people extend their gratitude for food and harvest in your community? Share with your friends.
Answer: In my community, people extend their gratitude for food and harvest through various traditional practices. During harvest season, families offer the first portion of their crops to deities at local temples as a gesture of thanks. Many communities organize feasts where neighbors gather to share freshly harvested food and celebrate together. Farmers perform special puja ceremonies in their fields to thank the land and nature for providing abundant crops. Elders bless the younger generation and share stories about the importance of respecting food and never wasting it. These traditions help maintain a strong connection between people, nature, and the food that sustains them.
Grammar II: Indirect Speech
A. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
a.Sujita asked her mother, "When will my father come home?"
Answer: Sujita asked her mother when her father would come home.
b.She replied, "I have never had caviar." when I said to her, "Have you ever had caviar?"
Answer: She replied that she had never had caviar when I asked her if she had ever had caviar.
c.The salesperson said to him, "What can I do for you?"
Answer: The salesperson asked him what he could do for him.
d.The tourist inquired from me, "Do you belong to Banepa?"
Answer: The tourist inquired from me whether I belonged to Banepa.
e.The little girl asked us, "What time are you supposed to come back?"
Answer: The little girl asked us what time we were supposed to come back.
f.The head teacher asked her, "Did you fill out the exam form last week?"
Answer: The head teacher asked her whether she had filled out the exam form the week before.
g.Renuka asked me, "Did you call me?"
Answer: Renuka asked me if I had called her.