Page 1 - Lesson notes sub topic 2
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SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
                                                  STD VI- CIVICS
                                  CH-8 Unity in Diversity or Many in the One
                                                        NOTES


               Unity in Diversity: Indian Festivals, Literature, and Epics

               Festivals

               India is a land of festivals, where celebrations reflect the cultural vibrancy and agricultural
               heritage of the nation. Many festivals share similar themes but are celebrated under
               different names, showcasing regional identities while maintaining a unified spirit.

                   •  Makara Sankranti:

                          o  Celebrated on or around January 14, this harvest festival marks the transition
                              of the sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara).

                          o  Known by different names across India:

                                 ▪  Pongal in Tamil Nadu

                                 ▪  Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in Assam
                                 ▪  Uttarayan in Gujarat


                                 ▪  Khichdi Parva in Uttar Pradesh
                                 ▪  Lohri in Punjab


                          o  Despite regional differences in rituals and customs, the festival unites people
                              in gratitude for nature's bounty and signals the arrival of the harvest season.
               Literature

               Indian literature exemplifies how diversity of language, technique, and style can coalesce
               around shared themes and universal values. From ancient scriptures to folklore, the richness
               of Indian storytelling reflects the unity underlying linguistic diversity.

                   •  The Panchatantra:

                          o  A masterpiece of ancient Indian storytelling, this collection of fables primarily
                              features animals as protagonists, imparting wisdom and life skills.

                          o  Originally written in Sanskrit over 2,200 years ago, it has been adapted into
                              nearly every Indian language.

                          o  Its influence extended far beyond India's borders, inspiring adaptations in
                              Southeast Asia, the Arab world, and Europe, with over 200 known versions in
                              50+ languages.





               Epics: The Ramayaṇa and the Mahabharata
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