Weird and

Wonderful festivals
BY-AMNEET KAUR[232025],RASHDEEP SINGH [232019],
KARANDEEP SINGH[232007], CHEHAK[232013] , JASMEET
KAUR[232153]

ENGLISH PROJECT
{BCOM PROGRAMME}
 INTRODUCTION
Ugh, that 7 am alarm. Roll out of bed, throw on work clothes, another
day melting into yesterday. Commute, grind, emails, a hopefully decent
lunch break, more emails, then finally, sweet freedom at 5 pm. Dinner,
maybe some mindless TV, and then collapsing into bed by 10 pm to do
it all again tomorrow. Life, sure, it pays the bills, but man does it
feel...beige.

But wait! We humans aren't just cogs in a machine. We crave a little

excitement, a splash of color in the everyday. That's where festivals come
in, these explosions of life that toss glitter on the dull routine. They're
more than just bands and greasy food, though. Festivals are like little
windows into the soul of a place. You get a glimpse of the traditions, the
stories, and maybe even the slightly odd quirks that make a town tick.

These celebrations come in all shapes and sizes, from ancient rituals
passed down for generations to wild, modern bashes. Imagine chucking
tomatoes at strangers in Spain (apparently it's a thing!), lighting up
the whole India on Diwali, or watching the night sky come alive with
lanterns in Taiwan. It's a chance to see the world through a different
lens, to be surprised, to laugh your heart out, and to make memories
that will stick with you forever.

So, ditch the routine for a while. Let's fling open the doors to the weird,
the wonderful, and the downright bizarre. We're about to embark on a
journey that will take us from ancient ceremonies to modern spectacles,
a kaleidoscope of human creativity and connection. Get ready to be
amazed, amused, and maybe a little bewildered. Welcome to the world
of weird and wonderful festivals!
 WONDERFUL FESTIVALS OF INDIA
India, often described as a land of diversity, celebrates a myriad of festivals representing various religions
and cultures throughout the year. These festivals not only reflect the rich tapestry of Indian heritage but
also foster a sense of unity and communal harmony among its people. Here's a glimpse of some of the
wonderful festivals celebrated across different religions in India:

1.DIWALI :- Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. It
symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are adorned with colorful rangolis,
lamps, and candles, while fireworks light up the night sky. It's a time for families to come together, exchange
gifts, and indulge in festive treats.

2. EID AL FITR AND EID AL ADHA : Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, while
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to
God. Both festivals are celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share
delicious meals and sweets, and charity is an integral part of the festivities

4. GURU NANAK JAYANTI : Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji,
the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Sikhs celebrate this day with prayers, hymn singing
(kirtan), processions (nagar kirtan), and langar (community kitchen) where free meals are served to all,
regardless of religion or background.

5. DURGA PUJA : Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in West Bengal, but also in
other parts of India with fervor. It honors the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Elaborate
pandals (temporary structures) are constructed, showcasing artistic depictions of Durga and other deities. The
festival is marked by vibrant processions, cultural performances, and grand feasts.

6. BAISAKHI : Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, holds great significance for Sikhs as it marks the establishment
of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. It's celebrated with processions, prayers, music, and traditional
dances like the Bhangra and Giddha. Farmers also celebrate Baisakhi as the harvest festival, expressing
gratitude for a bountiful crop.

7. GANESH CHATURTHI : Ganesh Chaturthi honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of
wisdom and prosperity. It's celebrated with great pomp and fervor, especially in Maharashtra. Homes and
pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and clay idols of Lord Ganesha are worshipped with prayers,
rituals, and offerings. The festival concludes with the immersion of idols in water bodies.

8.SAMVATSARI: Samvatsari is one of the most significant festivals in Jainism which marks the end of
Paryushana, a seven-day period of practicing dharma. On the day of Samvatsari, Jains seek forgiveness from
all the living beings they hurt and grant forgiveness to those who hurt them. Jains practice this day as a day of
complete fasting, pratikraman and non-violence to atone for their sins.
 WONDERFUL FESTIVALS OF
FOREIGN
Let's embark on a journey to explore some of the most wonderful festivals celebrated across different
corners of the globeglobe
1.CARNIVAL , [BRAZIL] :
Carnival in Brazil is a lively and extravagant festival celebrated before Lent. Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is world-
famous for its samba parades, elaborate costumes, and infectious music. The streets come alive with dancing,
singing, and revelry, as locals and tourists join in the festivities. The highlight of Carnival is the samba parade
competitions held in the Sambadrome, where samba schools showcase their elaborate floats and
choreographed performances.

2.OKTOBERFEST [GERMANY] :
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany. It originated in 1810 to
celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors from around the world who gather to enjoy traditional
Bavarian beer, food, and music. The festival features colorful parades, amusement rides, and beer tents
serving a variety of local brews

3.LATERN FESTIVAL [CHINA] :

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It
is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, with lantern displays, dragon dances, and other
cultural performances. The highlight of the festival is the release of sky lanterns into the night sky, symbolizing
hopes and dreams for the future. In addition to lanterns, traditional foods such as tangyuan (sweet rice balls)
are enjoyed during the festivities.

4.DAY OF THE DEAD [MEXICO] :

Celebrated throughout Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a vibrant festival honoring deceased loved ones with
colorful altars, music, food offerings, and parades.A vibrant tradition honoring deceased loved ones with
elaborate altars, marigold flowers, and festive

5.LA TOMATINO [SPAIN] :

Held in the town of Buñol, La Tomatina is the world's largest tomato fight. Thousands of participants throw
overripe tomatoes at each other in a friendly battle that leaves the streets covered in red.La Tomatina:
Annual tomato-throwing festival in Buñol, Spain, originating from a food fight in 1945.

6.MARDI GRAS [UNITED STATES] :

This carnival celebration, particularly famous in New Orleans, features parades, masquerade balls, and
extravagant floats. It's a time of revelry before the fasting season of Lent begins. Mardi gras evolved from
French Catholic traditions celebrated since the early 18th century.
 WEIRD FESTIVALS OF INDIA
1. Lathmar Holi – Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most unique festivals of India, the women of Barsana beating men of Nandgaon with
lathis is the highlight of the festival. The unfortunate men who get caught are made to dress like a
woman and dance in public.
2. Rural Olympics – Kila Raipur, Punjab
Competitors lifting an entire stack of bricks with teeth, pulling vehicles with hair, and lifting plows
with mouth are some of the bizarre activities that make this event unusual and weird .
3. Bhagoria Festival – Khargone & Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh
Marriage fair is conducted on a large scale where youngsters choose their partner and elope with
them only to be accepted by the society later and pronounced as man and wife.
4. Snake Boat Race Festival – Kerala
The format, the extreme competitive spirit witness, and the insane popularity of the Snake Boat
Race are traits that make it one of the unusual festivals in India. The race is not just a sport, it’s a
fiercely fought battle.
5. Theyyam – Kerala
Theyyam sees people perform dangerous feats dedicated to the divine power making it one of the
most unique festivals of India. These feats include dancing while wearing a crown of hair of length
10-12 meters, walking fire embers, wearing coconut fronds, and performing with burning wicks of
wire tied around the waist. Despite being exposed to flames and burning heat the performer has to
walk with all the heavy dress around.
 WEIRD FESTIVALS OF WORLD
1. Cheese-Rolling Festival, England
Locals and tourists travel down to Cooper’s Hill situated in the South West England Gloucester
region to watch the most unique competition of participants launching down the hill to chase a
nine-pound round cheese. The first person to cross the finish line is the winner and gets to keep
the cheese as their price. Initially, the goal of the festival was to catch the rolling cheese before it
reaches the bottom however, the rules changed considering how quickly it gains speed which
becomes difficult and dangerous for the players as well.
2. Día de los Muertos, Mexico
The traditional holiday held in Mexico during November carries a lot of visual similarities to
Halloween. During this period, family and friends gather together to pray and remember the
members who have died. It is believed that during this brief period the souls of the dead are
awakened and return to earth to feast, drink and dance with their loved ones.
3. Naki Sumo, Japan
Making a baby cry is probably the worst thing you can do, however, Japan is here to prove you
wrong. Naki Sumo is a 400-year old tradition where you get to witness an entire event based on
grown men’s ability to make babies cry! The festival takes place at Sensoji Temple every year in
April, where babies are paired up with a sumo wrestler who will then try to make the little ones
cry.
4. Water Gun Festival, South Korea
The Water Gun Festival in the Sinchon district of Seoul, South Korea will take your summer
spirits to a whole new level. The festival that originated with the purpose to beat the heat has
now transformed into one of the most popular summer festivals in the city! Participants get to
engage in a series of water battle activities along with witnessing an array of special events
including power-packed music performances, street dancing and lots more making it the ultimate
place to visit with your family and friends to party the hot summer away.
 CURRENT INCIDENT ABOUT WONDERFUL
OR WEIRD FESTIVAL OF WORLD

Wife Carrying World Championship — Sonkajärvi, Finland

The Wife Carrying World Championship in Sonkajärvi, Finland, is a quirky and humorous event that attracts participants from
around the globe. Held annually since 1992, the competition involves male contestants navigating through a challenging
obstacle course while carrying their female partners on their backs. The origins of the event are rooted in Finnish folklore,
where legend has it thwife-carrying was practiced by a notorious robber named Rosvo-Ronkainen. Today, the championship
features various carrying techniques, including the classic piggyback and the more unconventional Estonian-style, where the
wife hangs upside-down with her legs around the husband's shoulders. The event combines athleticism, humor, and
camaraderie, making it a one-of-a-kind spectacle that embodies the spirit of fun and competition.

Certainly! One of the most unusual

aspects of the Wife Carrying World Championship in Sonkajärvi, Finland, is the prize awarded to the winner. The champion
couple receives the wife's weight in beer as their reward. This quirky prize adds an extra element of humor to the event and has
become a unique tradition associated with the competition. Additionally, the rules of the competition allow for the "wife" to be
any consenting adult, not necessarily the contestant's spouse, adding a humorous twist to the event. These unconventional
elements contribute to the event's reputation as a lighthearted and entertaining spectacle that attracts participants and
spectators from around the world.
Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro
Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the world's most spectacular and vibrant festivals. Held annually before Lent, it is a celebration of music,
dance, and culture that attracts millions of visitors from around the globe. The highlight of the festival is the elaborate Samba Parade, where samba
schools compete in a dazzling display of colorful costumes, elaborate floats, and rhythmic dance routines at the Sambadrome stadium. Beyond the
parade, Carnaval features street parties, known as blocos, where revelers dance to the infectious beat of samba music day and night. With its
infectious energy and joyful spirit, Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Brazil.

In addition to the Samba Parade and street parties, Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro offers a diverse array of festivities and traditions. From glamorous
masquerade balls to neighborhood blocos that bring communities together, the city comes alive with excitement during the multi-day celebration.
Visitors can also enjoy performances by local musicians and bands, sample delicious Brazilian cuisine from street vendors, and witness the crowning
of the Carnival King and Queen. With its roots tracing back to Portuguese colonial times, Carnaval has evolved into a symbol of Brazilian identity
and pride, embodying the country's passion for music, dance, and celebration on a grand scale.

What makes Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro truly wonderful is its ability to unite people from all walks of life in a joyous celebration of music, dance, and
culture. The festival showcases the incredible creativity and talent of the samba schools through their breathtaking performances in the Samba
Parade, where intricately designed costumes and elaborate floats tell stories of Brazilian history, mythology, and contemporary issues. The vibrant
energy and infectious rhythm of samba music permeate the streets as blocos bring communities together in lively street parties. Beyond the
spectacle, Carnaval fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging, inviting people of all backgrounds to join in the festivities and experience the magic
of one of the world's most iconic celebrations.
THANKYOU…..