Unit 2: Festivals and Celebrations – Class 10 English Guide
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| Festivals and Celebrations Guide/Notes of Class 10 English TextBook. |
This unit comprises two main readings:
-
Reading I: "Battle of the Oranges"
An exploration of the vibrant Italian festival in Ivrea, where participants engage in a spirited orange-throwing battle. -
Reading II: "Thanksgiving Around the World"
A comparative study of harvest festivals across different cultures, highlighting traditions in countries like the USA, Korea, Brazil, and Ghana.
SEE Class 10 Compulsory English | All Units Notes:
- Unit-1 | Current Affairs and Issues | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-2 | Festivals and Celebrations | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-3 | Health and Wellness | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-4 | Work and Leisure | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-5 | Science and Experiment | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-6 | Food and Cuisine | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-7 | Cyber Security | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-8 | Hobbies and Interests | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-9 | History and Culture | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-10 | Games and Sports | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-11 | Ethics and Morality | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-12 | Nature and Development | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-13 | Population and Migration | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-14 | Travel and Adventure | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-15 | People and Places | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-16 | Success and Celebration | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-17 | Countries and Towns | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-18 | Media and Entertainment | Class 10 | English | Guide.
View All SEE Class 10 Compulsory English Notes:
SEE Class 10 Compulsory English | All Units Notes and Question Papers Collection.
Festivals and Celebrations
Reading I
Battle of the Oranges
A. Match the words with their meaning.
| a. mush | i. to throw something violently in a particular direction |
| b. jerk | ii. to hold something tightly |
| c. concussion | iii. a soft thick mass or mixture |
| d. hurl | iv. to drink something, taking a very small amount each time |
| e. pulp | v. to make something move with a sudden short sharp movement |
| f. clutch | vi. a temporary loss of consciousness |
| g. sip | vii. the soft part inside the fruits and vegetables |
Answer:
a. mush - iii. a soft thick mass or mixture
b. jerk - v. to make something move with a sudden short sharp movement
c. concussion - vi. a temporary loss of consciousness
d. hurl - i. to throw something violently in a particular direction
e. pulp - vii. the soft part inside the fruits and vegetables
f. clutch - ii. to hold something tightly
g. sip - iv. 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. (True)
b. Aranceri seems dressed in Doctor Whoesque costumes. (False)
c. When a cart approaches, aranceri run away from the square. (False)
d. The narrator feels bored during the festival period. (False)
e. The volunteers encourage the visitors to join the battle. (True)
f. The narrator accepts Massi's offer. (False)
C. Answer the following questions.
a. What does the red hat symbolize?
Answer: The red hat symbolizes carnival and freedom of slaves of Roman times.
b. How does the narrator feel when she wipes her face?
Answer: The narrator initially feels scared and shocked thinking it's blood, but later when she realizes it's just the juice from blood oranges, she wipes her face and feels relieved.
c. What does the square look like after an hour-battle of the oranges?
Answer: After one hour into the battle of oranges, the square looks covered in a thick sludge, a mixture of orange pulp and horse manure. It smells sweet-and-sour.
d. How do Aranceri members chase the cart?
Answer: The Aranceri members chase the cart by running alongside it and bombarding it with oranges when it approaches.
e. Does Silvia enjoy this carnival? Why?
Answer: Yes, Silvia enjoys the carnival. She believes that it allows her to release frustrations built up during the year, and after participating, she feels refreshed.
f. Why does Massi say, "Forget the nets"?
Answer: Massi says "forget the nets" because he believes that to truly experience and enjoy the carnival, you need to be in the middle of the battle, even if it involves some risk. Protective nets would prevent that.
D. You might know about some unique festivals like "Battle of the Oranges". Collect some information about any one of such festivals.
Festival - "La Tomatina"
"La Tomatina" is a unique and vibrant festival that takes place in the small town of Buñol, located in the province of Valencia, Spain. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, thousands of people gather in the narrow streets of Buñol to engage in an epic battle of tomatoes. This iconic event has gained international fame and attracts participants from all corners of the globe.
The origins of La Tomatina are shrouded in mystery, with various theories about how the festival came to be. One popular story suggests that it began in 1945 when a group of young people wanted to participate in a traditional parade during the town's festivities. When they were denied access, they took matters into their own hands and started a tomato fight instead. The spirited exchange became an instant hit and has been repeated ever since.
The festival kicks off in the morning with the "palo jabón," a greased pole topped with a ham. Participants try to climb the pole to reach the ham, while spectators cheer them on. Once someone manages to reach the prized ham, the signal is given, and trucks carrying tons of ripe tomatoes roll into the streets, ready for the chaos to begin.
As soon as the tomato fight commences, the air is filled with excitement and laughter. Participants gleefully hurl tomatoes at one another, transforming the town into a sea of red pulp. It's a delightful sight as strangers become friends in the midst of this juicy battle. People wear goggles and old clothes to protect themselves from the inevitable tomato projectiles, and the streets are covered in a thick layer of tomato mush.
The festival lasts for about an hour, during which time participants revel in the joyful mayhem. Once the tomato fight comes to an end, fire trucks and locals armed with hoses help wash away the tomato residue, and the town is quickly restored to its original state. The festivities continue with music, dancing, and the enjoyment of traditional Spanish cuisine and refreshing drinks.
La Tomatina has become one of Spain's most famous and beloved festivals, attracting not only locals but also curious visitors from around the world. The event's popularity has grown so much that Buñol has had to impose restrictions on the number of participants to ensure safety and preserve the town's infrastructure. Despite these measures, the spirit of La Tomatina remains alive and well, creating unforgettable memories for all who take part.
Beyond the sheer fun and excitement, La Tomatina has come to symbolize the Spanish spirit of revelry and celebration. It is a testament to the joyous and carefree nature of the human spirit, where people from different backgrounds can come together in a shared experience of exhilaration and camaraderie.
La Tomatina is a truly unique festival that captures the imagination and brings out the playful side in everyone who attends. It stands as a testament to the power of traditions, community, and the ability to embrace life's joyful moments, no matter how messy they may be.
Grammar I
A. Change the following sentences into indirect speech. The beginning of each sentence is given.
a. "Are you working tonight?"
→ Agaman asked Timothy if she/he was (they were) working that night.
b. "Is this the road to the station?"
→ 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 if she had done her homework.
d. "Have you been to Paris?"
→ The tourist was asked if he had been to Paris.
e. "How long have you been working in this company?"
→ Usha inquired of Anju how long she had been working in that company.
f. "What flavour ice cream did you have at the pary?"
→ 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 if we had studied reported speech before.
h. " Where will you stay tonight?"
→ I asked him where he would stay that night.
i. "How many players were shown yellow card by the referee?"
→ Sumangal asked his friend how many players had been shown yellow card by the referee.
j. "What magic did the medicine have on the patient?"
→ 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?"
→ Kritika asked me why I had gone out the previous night.
b. "Who was that beautiful woman, Usha?" said Sunita.
→ Sunita asked Usha who the beautiful woman was.
c. "How is your mother?" said Gaurab to Yang Dolma.
→ Gaurab asked Yang Dolma how her mother was.
d. My friend wanted to know, "What are you going to do at the weekend?"
→ My friend wanted to know what I was going to do at the weekend.
e. "Where will you live after graduation?" said my teacher.
→ My teacher asked where I would live after graduation.
f. Anusha said to Melisha,"What were you doing when I saw you?"
→ Anusha asked Melisha what she had been doing when she had seen her.
g. I said to the piligrim, "How was the journey?"
→ I asked the pilgrim how the journey had been.
h. "How often do you go to cinema?" said Krishana.
→ Krishna asked how often I went to the cinema.
i. "Do you live in Patan?" said the Principal.
→ The principal asked if I lived in Patan.
j. Niraj said to Luniva,"Did Phadindra arrive on time?"
→ Niraj asked Luniva if Phadindra had arrived on time.
Writing I
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.
Answer:
DASHAIN
One of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal is "Dashain”. It is also known as "VijayaDashami”. Dashain is the longest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal, which lasts for 15 days. It generally falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. The 10th day that iscalled "Dashami,", is the main day of the festival when tika and jamaraare exchanged, and blessings are given by the elders.Reading II
Answer the following questions
a. What are the main festivals celebrated in your community?
Answer:
Dashain: Dashain is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. It marks the victory of good over evil and commemorates the goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura. Dashain is a time of family gatherings, feasts, worship, and the exchange of blessings. It symbolizes the renewal of faith, the strengthening of familial bonds, and the celebration of prosperity.
Tihar: Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is another prominent festival celebrated in my community. It spans five days and is dedicated to honoring different elements of nature, including crows, dogs, cows, and brothers. The festival is characterized by the illumination of homes with oil lamps, colorful decorations, music, dances, and the exchange of blessings. Tihar represents the celebration of life, gratitude towards nature, and the importance of harmonious relationships.
Holi: Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a joyous celebration of the arrival of spring. It is a vibrant and lively festival where people throw colored powders and water at each other, sing and dance, and indulge in festive treats. Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the arrival of warmer weather, and the spirit of unity and playfulness.
b. Why are they celebrated? Discuss.
Answer:
Dashain is celebrated to honor the goddess Durga and to seek her blessings for prosperity, good health, and protection from evil forces. It also serves as an occasion for families to come together, reconcile, and strengthen their bonds. The festival represents the victory of good over evil and embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and renewal.
Tihar is celebrated to show gratitude to nature and various animals that play important roles in our lives. The festival's rituals and celebrations reflect the deep-rooted connections between humans and nature. It is a time to express gratitude, seek blessings for prosperity, and celebrate the relationships we share with different beings.
Holi is celebrated to welcome the arrival of spring, bidding farewell to the winter season. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as depicted through the story of the demoness Holika's destruction. Holi brings people together, erases social barriers, and spreads the message of love, friendship, and forgiveness.
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.
Answer:
a. in a way occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady - intermittent
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 - revelers/celebrants
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.
Answer:
a. Families gather for a feast in the evening accompanied by dancing and singing. – Liberiab. People wear new clothes and get community blessings. – Iran
c. Palm nut soup, fish and traditional Kpokoi are served. – Ghana
d. People return to their hometowns to celebrate the festival. – South Korea
e. Celebrants go to the beach in a noisy way. – Brazil
f. Parades are taken out in the streets. – USA
g. Food and wine are offered to the forefathers. – 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 shared with family and friends, usually including turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and assorted fall vegetables.
b. What do parades include in Thanksgiving in America?
Answer: Parades in Thanksgiving in America usually include floats, marching bands, and giant balloons in the shape of popular cartoon characters.
c. When and why is Chuseok celebrated in Korea?
Answer: Chuseok, celebrated in Korea on the 15th day of August, depending on the lunar calendar.
d. How did Thanksgiving begin in Brazil?
Answer: Thanksgiving began in Brazil as a new festival that has been celebrated since 1949 when former Brazilian President Gaspar Dutra visited the USA.
e. Who started Thanksgiving in Liberia? Why was it started?
Answer: Thanksgiving in Liberia was started by freed American slaves who had settled in the country. They wanted to celebrate their newfound freedom and give thanks to God for their blessings.
f. What is Thanksgiving celebrated in Barbados for?
Answer: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Barbados to give thanks for a successful sugar cane harvest.
g. What is Homowo marked in Ghana?
Answer: Homowo is marked in Ghana as to defense against hunger and famine.
D. How do people extend their gratitude for food and harvest in your community?
Answer:
In my community, people extend their gratitude for food and harvest through various cultural practices and traditions. One common way is by offering prayers and performing rituals to express thankfulness to the deities or spirits associated with agriculture and harvest.During harvest seasons, special ceremonies and pujas (religious rituals) are organized at temples or sacred places dedicated to agricultural deities. These ceremonies involve offerings of freshly harvested crops, fruits, and flowers, along with the chanting of prayers and hymns. The community gathers to participate in these rituals, expressing their gratitude for the abundance of food and seeking blessings for future harvests.
Another way people show gratitude for food and harvest is through community feasts and sharing. During festivals or special occasions, families and communities come together to prepare elaborate meals using locally grown and harvested ingredients. These feasts are often shared with neighbors, friends, and less fortunate members of the community, promoting a sense of unity, generosity, and gratitude.
Additionally, cultural dances, songs, and performances related to farming and harvest are often organized to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the community. These artistic expressions not only showcase the importance of food and harvest but also serve as a way to express gratitude and honor the hard work of farmers and agricultural practices.
Furthermore, sustainable farming practices and environmental awareness are also emphasized in our community as a way to show gratitude for the bountiful harvests we receive. There is a growing emphasis on organic farming, agroforestry, and water conservation techniques that promote the health of the land and preserve the natural resources for future generations.
Overall, people in my community extend their gratitude for food and harvest through religious ceremonies, community feasts, cultural performances, and sustainable farming practices. These expressions of gratitude reflect the deep connection and appreciation we have for the abundance of food and the importance of sustainable agriculture in our lives.
Grammar II
A. Rewrite the following sentences choosing the correct alternative from brackets.
a. Sujita asked her mother ……….. (when her father would come home, when will her father come home, when might her father come home).
Answer: Sujita asked her mother when her father would come home.
b. She replied that she had never had caviar when I said to her, " ……………..caviar?" (Have you ever had, Will you have, Would you have)
Answer: She replied that she had never had caviar when I said to her, "Have you ever had caviar?"
c. The salesperson said to him, "What …………….for you?" (I can do, can I do, I could do)
Answer: The salesperson asked him, "What can I do for you?"
d. The tourist inquired from me ………………. to Banepa. (whether I belonged, whether I would belong, whether I am belonging)
Answer: The tourist inquired from me whether I belonged to Banepa.
e. The little girl asked us what time ………………..to come back. (were we supposed, we were supposed, we had been supposed)
Answer: The little girl asked us what time we were supposed to come back.
f. The head teacher asked her ………………….. the exam form the week before. (whether she had filled out, whether she fills out, whether had she filled out)
Answer: The head teacher asked her whether she had filled out the exam form the week before.
g. Renuka asked me …………….. her. (if I have called, if I had called, if had I called)
Answer: Renuka asked me if I had called her.
B. Nihar Chaudhary interviewed her Social Studies teacher last week. Here is the report prepared by her after the interview. Read it carefully and list oul direct questions asked by Nihar.
Direct questions asked by Nihar:
Why are pre-adolescent girls married to Suvarna Kumar in Ihi ceremony?
Why was Ihi start?
What is the age range of girls who undergo the Ihi ceremony?
What is the significance of Bel fruit in the lhi ceremony?
How long does the lhi ceremony go on for?
What foods or drinks are not allowed during the Ihi ceremony?
Writing II
A. Write a news story using the following clues.
Vitamin A Capsules Given to Children
health assistants give Vitamin A Capsules, October 19-20
children from six months to five years
deworming tablets to children between 1-5 years
announced by the Department of Health Services
Vitamin A programme continues since 2050 BS and deworming capsules since 2056 BS
Answer:
Vitamin A capsules
The Department of Health Services has announced that health assistants will distribute Vitamin A capsules to children aged between six months to five years on October 19 and 20. The annual distribution of Vitamin A capsules has been an ongoing program since 2050 BS in Nepal. The capsules are given to children to prevent blindness and enhance their immunity.Additionally, children aged between one to five years will be given deworming tablets during the same time. The deworming program has been running since 2056 BS and aims to eliminate parasitic infections that affect children's growth and development.
The department has urged parents and caregivers to bring their children to the designated health centers on the scheduled dates to receive the supplements. They have also
assured the public that the distribution will be carried out following all necessary health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The department believes that the distribution of Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets will benefit thousands of Nepali children and contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Department of Health Services Continues Vital Child Health Campaign with Vitamin A and Deworming Initiatives
By a Staff Reporter,Waling, May 07. In a concerted effort to bolster child health and well-being, the Department of Health Services has officially launched its annual campaign to distribute essential supplements to children between ages of 1 to 5 years. Running for two days (October 19th and 20th), health assistants are diligently providing vitamin A capsules to children aged between six months to five years. This critical initiative, which began back in 2050 BS, has been pivotal in combating vitamin A deficiency and its related health issues among young children.
In addition to the vitamin A programme, the department has also continued its long-standing initiative of deworming tablets distribution. Deworming capsules are being administered to children aged one to five years, a program that has been in place since 2056 BS. The combined efforts of these programs play a vital role in safeguarding the health of the community's youngest members, ensuring they have access to essential nutrients and protection from parasitic infections. This annual campaign is a testament to the commitment of the Department of Health Services in promoting the health and well-being of children in the region.
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