Festivals and Celebration

Reading I:Battle of the Oranges

A. Match the words with their meaning.
Answer:

a. mush: soft thick mass of mixture
b. jerk: to make something move with a sudden short sharp movement
c. concussion: a temporary loss of consciousness
e. pulp : the soft part inside the fruits and vegetables
f. clutch: to hold something tightly
g. sip: 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.
Ans: True

b. Aranceri seems dressed in Doctor Whoesque costumes.
Ans:  True

c. When a cart approaches, aranceri run away from the square.
Ans: False

d. The narrator feels bored during the festival period.
Ans: False

e. The volunteers encourage the visitors to join the battle.
Ans: False

f. The narrator accepts Massi’s offer.
Ans: False

C. Answer the following questions.
Answer:

a. What does the red hat symbolize?
Ans:  The red had symbolizes the symbol of a carnival and the symbol of a freedom.

b. How does the narrator feel when she wipes her face?
Ans: The narrators feels bloody and shocked when she wipes her face.

c. What does the square look like after an hour battle of the oranges?
Ans: The square is cover in a thick sludges, mixture of a orange pulp and horse manure after an hour Battle of the oranges.

d. How do aranceri members chase the cart?
Ans:  Aranceri member chase the cart stacked with orange creates, filing their soldier bags and baggy tops.

e. Does Silvia enjoy this carnival?
Ans: No, Silvia does not enjoy this carnival because she feel pain and she does not accept Messi’s offer.

f. Why does Massi say, “Forget the nets.”?
Ans: Massi say, “Forget the nets” because he did not want to hide behind the nets. Rather he want to enjoy the Carnival.

D. You might know about some unique festivals like “Battle of the Oranges”. Collect some information about any one of such festivals.
Answer:

Bisket Jatra, also known as Bisket or Sindoor Jatra, is a traditional festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It takes place annually during the Nepali month of Baisakh (April) and holds great cultural and religious significance.

The festival honors Lord Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and the goddess Bhadrakali. The highlight of Bisket Jatra is the chariot procession, where two massive chariots dedicated to the deities are pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by enthusiastic devotees. Competing teams strive to earn the honor of pulling the chariots, as it is believed to bring good fortune for the year.

Bisket Jatra also features cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and theatrical displays. The festival attracts a large crowd, both locals and tourists, who witness the vibrant atmosphere and participate in the festivities. People dress in traditional attire, and the streets are filled with music, drum beats, and cheers.

The festival has ancient origins, believed to date back several centuries to the Kirata era, later assimilated into the Hindu culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Bisket Jatra showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their traditions.

In conclusion, Bisket Jatra is a joyous and vibrant festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It honors Lord Bhairava and the goddess Bhadrakali, featuring a grand chariot procession and various cultural displays. The festival is an important part of the local culture, attracting people from all around to witness and participate in the festivities.

Grammar I 

A. Change the following sentences into indirect speech. The beginning of each sentence is given.
Answer:

a. “Are you working tonight?
Ans: “Agaman asked Timothy if he was working tonight.

b. “Is this  the road to the station?
Ans: “A stranger wanted to know from me if that was the road to the station.

c. “Did you do your homework?
Ans: “My friend inquired her if she had done her homework.

d. “Have you been to Paris?
Ans: “The tourist was asked if he had been to Paris.

e. “How long have you been working in this company?
Ans: “Usha inquired Anuj how long he had been working in that company.

f. “What flavour ice cream did you have at the party?
Ans: “My mother asked me what flavor ice cream I had at the party.

g. “Have you studied reported speech before?
Ans: “The teacher wanted to know if they had studied reported speech before.

h. ” Where will you stay tonight?
Ans: “I asked him where he would stay that night.

i. “How many players were shown yellow card by the referee?
Ans: “Sumangal asked his friend how many players had been shown yellow cards by the referee.

i. “What magic did the medicine have on the patient?”
Ans: Sarita wanted to know from Sommaya what magic the medicine had had on the patient.

B. Change the following remarks into reported speech.
Answer:

a. Kritika asked me, “why did you go out last night?”
Ans: Kritika asked me why I had gone out last night.

b. “Who was that beautiful woman, Usha?” said Sunita.
Ans: Sunita asked Usha who that beautiful woman was.

c. “How is your mother?” said Gaurab to Yang Dolma.
Ans: Gaurab asked Yang Dolma how her mother was.

d. My friend wanted to know, “What are you going to do at the weekend?”
Ans: My friend wanted to know what I was going to do at the weekend.

e. “Where will you live after graduation?” said my teacher.
Ans: My teacher asked me where I would live after graduation.

f. Anusha said to Melisha,”What were you doing when I saw you?”
Ans: Anusha asked Melisha what she had been doing when she had seen her.

g. I said to the piligrim, “How was the journey?”
Ans: I asked the pilgrim how the journey had been.

h. “How often do you go to cinema?” said Krishana.
Ans: Krishna asked how often I went to the cinema.

i. “Do you live in Patan?” said the Principal.
Ans: The Principal asked me  if I lived in Patan.

j. Niraj said to Luniva,”Did Phadindra arrive on time?”
Ans: 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

Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. Lasting for 15 days, it falls in the month of Ashwin (September or October) and holds immense cultural and religious importance for the Nepalese people.

Dashain honors the goddess Durga, a divine embodiment of female power and strength. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasur. During Dashain, it is believed that the goddess descends to Earth to bless her devotees.

The festival entails various rituals and customs. Homes and temples are adorned with colorful decorations, and people engage in elaborate prayers and ceremonies to worship the goddess Durga. Animal sacrifices, particularly of goats, buffaloes, or other animals, are performed as offerings to the goddess, followed by feasting on the meat as a part of festive meals.

Dashain is a time of family reunions and gatherings. People return to their ancestral homes to celebrate together. The festival is characterized by exchanging gifts, feasting on delicious traditional meals, and participating in various cultural activities. Flying kites, swinging on bamboo swings (called “ping”) and playing traditional games are popular during this time.

One of the highlights of Dashain is receiving “tika” and blessings from elders. Elders apply a mixture of red vermillion powder, rice, and yogurt on the foreheads of younger family members as a symbol of protection and good fortune. This ritual strengthens family ties and fosters a sense of unity and respect.

Dashain is deeply ingrained in Nepalese culture and traditions. It brings communities together, transcending social boundaries and fostering a sense of harmony and togetherness. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and highlights the religious devotion and festive spirit of the Nepalese people.

In conclusion, Dashain is the most prominent festival in Nepal, celebrated over 15 days in honor of the goddess Durga. It involves elaborate rituals, animal sacrifices, feasting, and the exchange of blessings and gifts. Dashain is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural festivities that reflect the vibrant spirit of Nepalese traditions and customs.

Reading II: 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 study…….
Ans: intermittently

b. to remind people of an important event or person from the past…….
Ans: commemorate

c. in a way that shows the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person or thing…….
Ans: typically

d. a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at each end…….
Ans: crescent-shaped

e. full of life and energy…….
Ans: vibrant

f. a person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people…….
Ans: reveller

g. from or in another country; seeming exciting and unusual…….
Ans: exotic

h. to spread through and be easy to notice…….
Ans: pervade

i. brightly coloured and likely to attract attention…….
Ans: flamboyant

j. done quickly and with a lot of activity, but not very well organized…….
Ans: haphazardly

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. –
Ans: Liberia

b. People wear new clothes and get community blessings. –
Ans: Iran

c. Palm nut soup, fish and traditional Kpokoi are served. –
Ans: Ghana

d. People return to their hometowns to celebrate the festival.-
Ans: South Korea

e. Celebrants go to the beach in a noisy way. –
Ans: Brazil

f. Parades are taken out in the streets. –
Ans: the USA

g. Food and wine are offered to the forefathers. –
Ans: South Koreaw

C. Answer the following questions.
Answer:

a. What is the main feature of American Thanksgiving?
Ans: The main feature of American Thanksgiving is family dinner.

b. What do parades include in Thanksgiving in America?
Ans: The parades include big balloons with cartoon characters in Thanksgiving in America.

c. When and why is Chuseok celebrated in Korea?
Ans: Chuseok is celebrated in Korea on the 15th day of August, according to lunar calendar to commemorate the fall harvest and to honour their ancestors.

d. How did Thanksgiving begin in Brazil?
Ans: When the former Brazilian president visited the USA, he was fascinated with the holiday and he began it in Brazil.

e. Who started Thanksgiving in Liberia? Why was it started?
Ans: Liberated American slaves started Thanksgiving in Liberia to share the happiness of freedom.

f. What is Thanksgiving celebrated in Barbados for?
Ans: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Barbados for the celebration of successful sugarcane harvest.

g. What is Homowo marked in Ghana?
Ans: Homowo marked as the ending of a long famine suffered by the people of Ghana.

D. How do people extend their gratitude for food and harvest in your community? Share with your friends.
Answer:
 In my community, people typically express their gratitude for food and harvest by participating in the collaborative activities such as cooking large meals together and organizing sharing parties. People also give thanks to the gods with prayers, offerings, and traditional ceremonies. Many people thank the land for its bounty with rituals such as planting trees and flowers to give back to the environment. Finally, people often establish small charities or organizations that help local farmers with their harvests and food-related needs.
People in different castes and culture make special dishes from the new harvest and offer the mother-Goddess. It is called ‘Nwangi’, meaning having new food of the year. People rejoice this festival in the month of Mangsir or Poush, accourding to Nepali Calendar. In this time, paddy corps is harvested throughout the country. And in this happy time, they celebrate this festival.

Grammar II

A. Rewrite the following sentences choosing the correct alternative from brackets.
Answer:

a. Sujita asked her mother ……….. (when her father would come home, when will her father come home, when might her father come home).
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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)
Ans: 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 out direct questions asked by Nihar.
Answer:

Direct questions asked by Nihar:

• What is Ihi?
• Why is it done?
• Why is it started?
• What particular age group perform Ihi?
• How long does this ritual go?
• What things are done during in these two days?

Writing II

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:

Health Assistants Provide Vitamin A Capsules and Deworming Tablets to Children in Nationwide Campaign

Date: October 21, 2023

Health assistants conducted a two-day campaign across the country on October 19-20, delivering essential health interventions to young children. The Department of Health Services announced the program, which included the distribution of Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets to specific age groups.

As part of an ongoing initiative that started in 2050 BS (1993 AD), health assistants provided Vitamin A capsules to children between the ages of six months and five years. Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining healthy vision, boosting the immune system, and supporting overall growth and development. The government’s aim is to combat vitamin A deficiency and related health complications through this annual program.

Simultaneously, health assistants administered deworming tablets to children aged between one and five years. This deworming campaign, which began in 2056 BS (1999 AD), targets common intestinal worms that can hinder a child’s growth, nutrient absorption, and overall health. By providing these tablets, the Department of Health Services strives to improve the overall well-being of young children.

Throughout the two-day campaign, health assistants visited various communities, health centers, and schools to reach as many children as possible. Parents and guardians brought their children to receive the Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets. Health assistants provided guidance on dosage and stressed the importance of regular supplementation and deworming.

Parents expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts, acknowledging the significance of these preventive measures in ensuring their children’s healthy development. They praised the Department of Health Services for its continued commitment to improving child healthcare nationwide.

The Department of Health Services encouraged parents and guardians to schedule regular check-ups for their children’s health and seek medical advice for any concerns. They emphasized that these annual campaigns form part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the well-being of Nepal’s young population.

The successful conclusion of the Vitamin A capsule distribution and deworming campaign left a positive impact on the health of countless children. The Department of Health Services reaffirmed its dedication to the well-being of children and expressed its commitment to future health initiatives.

Looking ahead, the government aims to build upon the success of these programs and further expand healthcare initiatives to ensure the long-term health and development of Nepal’s children.