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