Chapter 3 of 12
Chapter 3: Celebrating Festivals
Cultural Diversity, Traditional Delicacies, Festive Music, and Unified Community Celebrations | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Festivals of India: Harvest festivals (Bihu, Pongal, Baisakhi), religious festivals (Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Gurpurab).
- Special festive foods and sweets prepared with seasonal agricultural harvests.
- Eco-friendly celebrations: Rangoli with flower petals, earthen diyas, and avoiding firecrackers.
- The underlying spirit of festivals: Brotherhood, generosity, forgiveness, and community sharing.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
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Q1
Festival Diversity & Significance
What are harvest festivals? Name two harvest festivals celebrated in different parts of India and their special dishes.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Harvest festivals are joyous community celebrations held when standing agricultural crops ripen and farmers gather their hard-earned yield.
Examples:
1. Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Celebrated to honor the Sun God and cattle after harvesting paddy and sugarcane. The special dish is 'Sweet Pongal' made of newly harvested rice, jaggery, milk, and cashew nuts boiled in an earthen pot.
2. Bihu / Magh Bihu (Assam): Marks the end of the winter harvesting season. People construct thatched bamboo huts (Bhelaghar) and prepare traditional rice cakes called 'Pitha' and 'Laru' (sesame/coconut sweets).
Examples:
1. Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Celebrated to honor the Sun God and cattle after harvesting paddy and sugarcane. The special dish is 'Sweet Pongal' made of newly harvested rice, jaggery, milk, and cashew nuts boiled in an earthen pot.
2. Bihu / Magh Bihu (Assam): Marks the end of the winter harvesting season. People construct thatched bamboo huts (Bhelaghar) and prepare traditional rice cakes called 'Pitha' and 'Laru' (sesame/coconut sweets).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Precise definition of harvest festivals
1 Mark
Identification of two regional harvest festivals with authentic festive foods
2 Marks
Q2
Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Why should we avoid bursting chemical firecrackers during festivals? List three harmful effects.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Bursting chemical firecrackers causes severe harm to our living environment:
1. Dangerous Air Pollution: Firecrackers release toxic fumes (sulfur dioxide, lead, barium) that trigger asthma, coughs, and breathing distress in infants and elderly individuals.
2. Noise Pollution: The loud explosions terrify street animals, pet dogs, and nesting birds, causing severe trauma and hearing loss.
3. Toxic Chemical Litter: Burnt cracker residues leave hazardous chemical dust on streets that pollutes groundwater when washed by rain.
1. Dangerous Air Pollution: Firecrackers release toxic fumes (sulfur dioxide, lead, barium) that trigger asthma, coughs, and breathing distress in infants and elderly individuals.
2. Noise Pollution: The loud explosions terrify street animals, pet dogs, and nesting birds, causing severe trauma and hearing loss.
3. Toxic Chemical Litter: Burnt cracker residues leave hazardous chemical dust on streets that pollutes groundwater when washed by rain.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Air pollution and human health impact
1 Mark
Noise impact on birds and domestic animals
1 Mark
Hazardous solid waste generation
1 Mark
Q3
Community Harmony
What is the noble message behind community feasts such as the 'Langar' organized on Gurpurab?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The message behind 'Langar' is absolute human equality, brotherhood, and selfless service. People of all castes, religions, rich and poor, sit together on the floor in a straight row (pangat) and partake of the same freshly cooked vegetarian food, teaching us that everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Concept of equality and selfless community service
1.5 Marks
Inclusivity without discrimination
0.5 Marks
Q4
Festivals of India • Cultural Diversity
Match each festival with its traditional special food dish:
• Eid: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Holi: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Ganesh Chaturthi: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Christmas: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
[4 Marks]
• Eid: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Holi: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Ganesh Chaturthi: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
• Christmas: [Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma, Gujiya, Plum Cake, Modak]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Traditional Festive Dishes:
• Eid $\rightarrow$ Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma
• Holi $\rightarrow$ Gujiya
• Ganesh Chaturthi $\rightarrow$ Modak
• Christmas $\rightarrow$ Plum Cake
• Eid $\rightarrow$ Sewaiyan / Sheer Khurma
• Holi $\rightarrow$ Gujiya
• Ganesh Chaturthi $\rightarrow$ Modak
• Christmas $\rightarrow$ Plum Cake
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct matching for all 4 festival dishes
4.0 M
Q5
Harvest Festivals • Agricultural Connection
(a) What is a 'Harvest Festival'?
(b) Name two harvest festivals celebrated in different parts of India.
[3 Marks]
(b) Name two harvest festivals celebrated in different parts of India.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Harvest Festivals Explained:
(a) Definition:
• A harvest festival is a joyous celebration held by farmers and communities when agricultural crops (like wheat, rice, or sugarcane) are ripe and harvested. It is a thanksgiving to nature, sun, and rain.
(b) Two Indian Harvest Festivals:
• 1. Baisakhi (celebrated in Punjab for wheat harvest).
• 2. Pongal / Onam (celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala for rice harvest).
(a) Definition:
• A harvest festival is a joyous celebration held by farmers and communities when agricultural crops (like wheat, rice, or sugarcane) are ripe and harvested. It is a thanksgiving to nature, sun, and rain.
(b) Two Indian Harvest Festivals:
• 1. Baisakhi (celebrated in Punjab for wheat harvest).
• 2. Pongal / Onam (celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala for rice harvest).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear agricultural definition of harvest celebration
1.5 M
Two authentic Indian harvest festivals named with states
1.5 M
Q6
Eco-Friendly Celebrations • Environmental Protection
Why should we avoid bursting noisy, smoky firecrackers during festivals? Give two environmental reasons.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Eco-Friendly Festive Reasons:
1. Air Pollution & Health: Firecracker smoke releases toxic gases and heavy chemicals that cause severe breathing problems, asthma attacks, and eye irritation for young children and elderly citizens.
2. Noise Pollution & Animals: The deafening blasts terrify street animals, pet dogs, and birds, who have far more sensitive hearing than humans.
1. Air Pollution & Health: Firecracker smoke releases toxic gases and heavy chemicals that cause severe breathing problems, asthma attacks, and eye irritation for young children and elderly citizens.
2. Noise Pollution & Animals: The deafening blasts terrify street animals, pet dogs, and birds, who have far more sensitive hearing than humans.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Air pollution/health impacts explained
1.0 M
Noise pollution and animal distress explained
1.0 M
Q7
Traditional Attire • Unity in Diversity
Why do people wear new, colorful traditional clothes on festive occasions?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Cultural Expression:
• Traditional festive attire reflects cultural heritage, expresses joy and celebration, and symbolizes starting a new auspicious season with cleanliness, freshness, and positivity.
• Traditional festive attire reflects cultural heritage, expresses joy and celebration, and symbolizes starting a new auspicious season with cleanliness, freshness, and positivity.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Cultural symbolism and festive joy explained
2.0 M
Q8
Find Out & Write • Environmental Observation
In Chapter 3 ('Celebrating Festivals'), what key natural elements or community roles are highlighted? List three observations.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Observations:
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Interdependence observed
1 M
Community helpers recognized
1 M
Conservation awareness
1 M
Q9
Discuss & Share • Classroom Activity
Discuss with your classmates: How does the change of seasons impact the food we eat, clothes we wear, and activities in 'Celebrating Festivals'?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Seasonal Impact:
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Summer adaptations
1 M
Winter adaptations
1 M
Monsoon adaptations
1 M
Q10
Think & Reflect • Environmental Care
What simple daily action can you and your family take to reduce waste and protect nature as suggested in 'Celebrating Festivals'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Daily Actions:
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Waste segregation explained
1 M
Avoiding single-use plastics
1 M
Q11
Activity • Classification & Grouping
Classify the following items into Living Things and Non-Living Things: Neem tree, School bus, Butterfly, River stone, Honeybee, Wooden table.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Non-living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Q12
Field Exploration • Plants in Neighbourhood
Look closely at leaves of different plants around your school. How do they differ from one another in shape, colour, and texture?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Leaf Observations:
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Difference in shape
1 M
Difference in colour
1 M
Difference in texture
1 M
Q13
Health & Hygiene • Good Habits
Why must we wash our hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet? Describe the correct 6-step method.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Importance & Method:
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reason for washing hands
1 M
Steps described
1 M
Q14
Water Conservation • Every Drop Counts
List three practical ways to save drinking water at home and in school.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water Saving Ways:
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid water conservation methods
3 M
Q15
Animal Empathy • Coexistence
How can we help birds and stray animals during the hot summer season?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Helping Summer Animals:
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clay water bowls for birds
1 M
Kind treatment and shade
1 M
Q16
Community Living • Festivals and Food
Name two traditional Indian festivals and describe the special food items prepared and shared during these celebrations.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Festivals and Traditional Foods:
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two festivals named with corresponding special food
2 M
Q17
Review Questions • True or False
State True or False:
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
[3 Marks]
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Environmental Citizenship During Festive Celebrations
During Diwali and Ganesh Utsav, vast numbers of plaster-of-paris idols painted with chemical dyes and plastic decorations are submerged into local rivers and lakes, poisoning aquatic life and rendering water unfit for drinking.
Analytical Task: As responsible young environmental ambassadors, how can students encourage their neighborhoods to adopt 100% green and eco-friendly festive celebrations?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Students can launch school awareness campaigns to inspire green celebrations: (1) Advocate for idols made exclusively of unbaked local river clay (shadu mati) embedded with seeds, which dissolve harmlessly in home garden pots to sprout plants. (2) Replace synthetic chemical colors with natural flower petals (marigold, rose), turmeric, and spinach paste for rangolis. (3) Light traditional clay diyas filled with mustard or sesame oil instead of single-use plastic electric strings. (4) Celebrate with music, storytelling, and sharing sweets with underprivileged children rather than spending money on crackers.
Rubric: Clay seed-idols, natural bio-rangolis, water protection awareness, and empathetic community sharing (4 Marks).