REPEATED IELTS SPEAKING TOPIC – 8 – CELEBRATION OR FESTIVAL

PART 1

1. Do you enjoy celebrating festivals?
Yes, I do enjoy celebrating festivals. They provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with family and friends, experience cultural traditions, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s Eid, Diwali, Christmas, or any other festival, the joyous atmosphere and shared festivities always bring a sense of happiness and togetherness.

2. What is your favorite festival? Why do you enjoy it?
My favorite festival is Diwali. I love it for its vibrant atmosphere filled with lights, colors, and fireworks. It’s a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and exchanging gifts. The spiritual significance of Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, resonates deeply with me, making it a truly special and joyous occasion.

3. How do you celebrate this festival?
During Diwali, my family and I decorate our home with colorful rangoli designs and light-up diyas (oil lamps) to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. We exchange sweets and gifts with relatives and friends. In the evening, we gather for a delicious feast and enjoy fireworks together, spreading happiness and warmth throughout the celebration.

4. With whom would you like to celebrate festivals?
I would love to celebrate festivals with my family and close friends. Their presence adds to the joy and warmth of the occasion, making the celebrations more meaningful and memorable. Sharing traditions, laughter, and special moments with loved ones creates a sense of togetherness and strengthens our bonds.

5. What is the most popular festival in your country?
In India, one of the most popular festivals is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It’s celebrated by people of various religions across the country with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is marked by lighting oil lamps, exchanging gifts, feasting on sweets, and enjoying colorful fireworks displays.

6. Are celebrations important in one’s life? Why or why not?
Yes, celebrations are important in one’s life for several reasons. They provide opportunities for social connection and fostering relationships with family and friends. Celebrations also allow us to express gratitude, mark milestones, and preserve cultural traditions. Moreover, they contribute to our overall well-being by bringing joy, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

PART 2 CUE CARD
Describe an important holiday (or festival) that is celebrated in your country.
You should say:
1. When this celebration takes place
2. What do people do during this celebration
3. What do you especially like and dislike about this celebration
And explain why it is important.

One of the most important holidays celebrated in India is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali typically takes place in late October or early November, coinciding with the Hindu lunar calendar.

During Diwali, people engage in various activities to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes and streets are adorned with colorful decorations, including intricate rangoli patterns made from colored powders or flower petals. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and candles, illuminating homes and public spaces. Fireworks display light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.

One aspect I particularly enjoy about Diwali is the sense of togetherness it fosters. Families come together to exchange sweets and gifts, share traditional meals, and offer prayers to deities. There’s a palpable sense of joy and excitement in the air as people reconnect with loved ones and participate in communal festivities.

However, one downside of Diwali is the pollution caused by fireworks. The extensive use of firecrackers leads to air and noise pollution, which can have adverse effects on the environment and public health. Efforts are being made to promote eco-friendly celebrations to mitigate these impacts.

Diwali holds immense cultural and religious significance in India. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, a revered Hindu deity, from exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Additionally, Diwali is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and people pray for her blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Beyond its religious significance, Diwali promotes unity and harmony among diverse communities, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Diwali is an important holiday in India that brings people together, fosters cultural traditions, and symbolizes hope and positivity for the future. Despite its challenges, the spirit of Diwali continues to shine brightly across the country.

PART 3

1. Are traditional festivals disappearing?
Traditional festivals are not necessarily disappearing but may be evolving due to modernization and changing lifestyles. For example, while some traditional practices during Diwali, like lighting diyas and exchanging sweets, remain popular, there’s also a trend toward eco-friendly celebrations and digital greetings. This adaptation ensures the continuation of cultural heritage while accommodating contemporary values and environmental concerns. Thus, traditional festivals may transform to stay relevant in today’s society rather than completely disappearing.

2. What’s the difference between the ways festivals are celebrated now and in the past?
The celebration of festivals has evolved over time due to various factors such as technological advancements, globalization, and societal changes. In the past, festivals were often celebrated in a more traditional and localized manner, with a strong emphasis on community gatherings and religious rituals. However, in the present day, festivals may be celebrated in a more diverse and inclusive manner, with the incorporation of modern elements such as social media sharing, commercialization, and international influences. For example, while traditional rituals during Diwali remain significant, people may also exchange greetings via digital platforms and incorporate new customs into their celebrations.

3. Do you think it is wrong for young people to not celebrate traditional festivals?
It’s not necessarily wrong for young people to not celebrate traditional festivals. Cultural traditions and celebrations are deeply personal, and individuals may choose to participate or not based on their beliefs, preferences, and circumstances. While it’s important to value and respect cultural heritage, forcing young people to participate in traditions they don’t resonate with may not foster genuine appreciation or understanding. Instead, encouraging dialogue about the significance of traditional festivals and allowing individuals to make informed choices about their participation can promote cultural awareness and respect in a meaningful way.

4. Should students learn about traditions at home or at school?
Students can benefit from learning about traditions both at home and at school. Traditions often hold cultural, historical, and social significance, and understanding them fosters cultural awareness and appreciation. Learning about traditions at home allows students to connect with their family’s heritage and values, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Meanwhile, incorporating cultural education into school curricula promotes diversity, tolerance, and understanding among students from different backgrounds. By integrating both home and school environments, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

5. Why do people hold events to celebrate?
People hold events to celebrate for various reasons, including cultural, religious, social, and personal significance. Celebrations provide opportunities for individuals and communities to come together, bond, and create lasting memories. They mark important milestones, achievements, or rites of passage, reinforcing shared values and traditions. Additionally, celebrations serve as a means of expressing gratitude, joy, and appreciation. They also provide a break from routine life, offering moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Ultimately, celebrations play a vital role in promoting unity, happiness, and a sense of belonging among participants.