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Top Picks: Diwali Essay Competition

Romsha Vats   •   8 Nov, 2023   •   6 mins

The topic for the essay competition was 'The Importance of Festivals'.

Top Essays

Essay by Madhu Kumari from SKV Aya Nagar:

Imagine a very beautiful, cool town that is dressed up with balloons, flags, and lights. The air smells amazing with all kinds of delicious, yummy food. You can hear music playing and everyone dancing, and it makes your heart beat fast. Festivals make everything feel awesome like you are a part of a fairy tale story happening right before you. Festivals are like a giant wheel that gives us a fun-filled ride where people go together round and round, feeling like they are staying in a circle of life together, discovering different stuff and cultures of others. When evening falls, and it becomes dark, we can see this cool sparkle of lights between the clouds that makes you feel like you are in a magical fantasyland. It's like all the happiness decides to have a party together. Festivals are not just about fun, lights, and games but also about coming together, sharing vibrant cultures, and bringing a part of themselves to the party. They make a dessert of happiness and togetherness. Together, we surround ourselves with love; it fosters a sense of unity.

Image by Freepik.

Essay titled 'Festivals: A Kaleidoscope of Joy and Culture' by Harshil Vashishta from Holy Child Public School:

Festivals, those magnificent whirlwinds of colour, culture, and celebration, are like the heartbeat of our collective existence. Beyond their surface glamour, they pulse with a deeper significance that weaves through the very fabric of our lives.

Picture a mosaic of traditions, each tile representing a different festival. Each festival is a unique piece of this grand puzzle of life. They are an ode to our cultural identity, a time when history, folklore, and customs converge in a glorious burst of unity. Festivals serve as portals to the past, connecting us to our roots, reminding us of our ancestors' customs, and imbuing us with a profound sense of belonging and pride.

But there's more to festivals than just nostalgic pageantry. They are economic powerhouses in disguise, bustling marketplaces where artisans, traders, and local businesses gather to flaunt their craftsmanship and merchandise. In these vibrant hubs, economies flourish, and livelihoods are sustained, creating a ripple effect of prosperity.

Diwali Lanterns being sold on the streets. Photo by Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

Yet, the true magic of festivals is their social alchemy. They are societal melting pots where people from different backgrounds come together, like ingredients in a gourmet dish, to appreciate each other's flavours and create a harmonious blend. Festivals nurture understanding, demolish barriers, and nurture bonds over shared laughter, food, and customs.

And what about the effect on our psyche? Festivals are the ultimate mood boosters. The anticipation of a festival can elevate spirits, infuse life with purpose, and transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones. During the festivities, stress takes a backseat, making way for pure, unadulterated happiness. It's as if the world dons a smile, and for a brief, enchanting moment, everything feels just right.

In summary, festivals are not mere dates on the calendar; they are the soul of our culture, the engines of local economies, the bridges that connect diverse communities, and the medicine that heals the human spirit. Think of them as the fireworks of life, illuminating our existence with a dazzling array of colours, memories, and moments that linger long after the last spark has faded.

Special Mentions

"…..As you know, in today's time, no one is happy for a full day. In one day, there are 24 hours. In these 24 hours, people are sometimes happy, sometimes sad, and sometimes angry, but in festivals, they are happy because they get big opportunities that they want. For one day, they are happy, and they think good thoughts that day. People are smiling, laughing, and spending time with their families." - Deepanshu Bohra from Navyug School Sarojini Nagar.

"……Our beliefs shape our minds; therefore, we must never lose faith in festivals. Diwali has long been associated with bursting crackers, but is it necessary? Of course not! Diwali can still be celebrated amazingly if we all stay at home and enjoy a hearty dinner with our friends and family. The bursting of firecrackers releases harmful gases into the atmosphere that ultimately result in air pollution. Firecrackers hurt the animals living around us. We must responsibly celebrate the festival without compromising the safety of others." - Fahad Ansari from Gangotri Public School.

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