The Essence of Traditions

October 01, 2024

SreeNimai Shyam
Class 8, Greenwood High International School, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru

Diwali is one of the festivals I enjoy the most. I think Diwali traditions are important as they bring the family together. The festival is a great opportunity for the entire family to get together and have fun with each other, exchanging gifts and sharing savouries and sweets. I always look forward to the stories my father tells me as we decorate the entire house with diyas of all varieties. Each diya is painted by the family and lit at night. We then light up the sky with firecrackers. Diwali traditions warm up every home with joy and love.

Vizzmaya Jalal
Class 8, St Francis School, Mumbai

In this world where technology has disconnected people, traditions that are centuries old bring people together and help them reconnect. Traditions bring positivity into our thoughts and lives. India is a melting pot of unique traditions, rituals and cultures. What I like about Diwali is that we started going back to the eco-friendly way of celebrating it. I love making rangolis or sacred geometrical designs using herbal colours. Another tradition I enjoy is preparing sweets and snacks at home. I believe this is better than buying the edibles on display in shops. Making sweets with family members promotes bonding. I also enjoy the wonderful activity of buying local earthen lamps or diyas and painting them with my hands. Not to mention the visual treat we get after we light them up in the neighbourhood. I enjoy preparing lanterns of cloth and paper as it brings out my creativity. My family and I also find joy in sharing our homemade delicacies with not just our loved ones, but also the needy. This brings the light from their smile into our lives.

Kavya Srinivasan
Class 6, Abacus Montessori School, Chennai

I think traditions are important as they reflect the cultural diversity in India. Each region and community has different beliefs and different ways of celebrating festivals. Diwali is called ‘Deepavali’ in South India. In Tamil culture, Diwali celebrates the death of Narakasur who was killed by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. I look forward to many Diwali traditions that fill the festive season. My family celebrates Diwali a bit differently. On Diwali, we wake up early and take an oil bath. Then, we wear new clothes and perform a puja. We enjoy delicious sweets. After the puja, my friends and I play with Diwali cracker guns. In the evening, we light diyas and enjoy the bright and warm ambience. We also make beautiful rangolis.

Samarveer Singh Chhabra
Class 6, Daly College, Indore

Traditions refer to different practices, rituals and customs passed down from generation to generation. I feel traditions are important as they give people a sense of identity and make people aware of their culture. Traditions may have religious, social or cultural significance. On festivals like Diwali, people perform pujas at factories, shops and in their homes, which unites people. The tradition that I look forward to the most is family gatherings. I enjoy the company of my relatives, especially my cousins. I also love creating rangolis with my maternal aunty and putting up Diwali decorations with my mother.

Samaira Chhikara
Class 5, Suncity School, Sector 54, Gurugram

Traditions are important as they provide us with a sense of comfort and belonging. They help my family reconnect every year. Diwali traditions not only help us create new memories, but also bring back nostalgic moments from the past. Every year, I enjoy making rangolis with my mother and grandmother. We conduct a sweet little rangoli-making competition in which the best rangoli wins. Diwali is an extremely joyous festival and I look forward to it with eagerness every year. It strengthens my bond with my family and friends.

Tanay Paun
Class 4, Kapol Vidyanidhi International School, Mumbai

I think traditions are important because they teach us about our religion and culture. They make every festival beautiful. They also attract people from other countries to our unique culture. Learning traditions from the older generation and practising them every year keeps them alive. I love listening to Diwali stories from elders of the family. I also love to help my mother prepare delicious sweets. What excites me the most is lighting diyas and sparklers. I also look forward to visiting my uncle’s house every Diwali. I enjoy catching up with my cousins and exchanging gifts with them.