Saraswati Puja

The beautiful goddess Saraswati is shown playing an instrument called a vina.

This Hindi festival celebrates the goddess Saraswati and the first day of spring. Saraswati is the goddess of learning.She is also the goddess of music, poetry, dance and drama.

People wear bright yellow clothes at this festival. Yellow stands for the warmth of spring.

In Bengal, people carry giant images of Saraswati around the streets. At the end of the day, they say good bye to the images by placing the picture in the river. Music is played for all to enjoy!

Reported by Muskaan and Nimar

The Chinese Lantern Festival

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of February it was the Chinese Lantern Festival. The Chinese Lantern Festival marks the last day of the Chinese new year. In Albert Park in the city there are lots of different lanterns many Chinese based. This year it was the year of the Snake, last year it was the year of the Dragon and next year it is going to be the year of the Horse. There were many performances at the festival. On Princes Street people filled the street, checking out over 150 food stalls. There were all different types of food like dumplings, pork buns, ice cream, donuts, kebabs, canned drinks and many more varieties of drinks and food. The lanterns looked amazing in the dark. Did you go there? If you didn't maybe you can check it out next year.

Written by: Leilani and Palmy

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. It's the sacred month because in this month the Holy Qu'ran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed. (Peace be upon him) In Ramadan Muslims all around the world fast which lasts 29-30 days. Everyday Muslims wake up before dawn to eat and break their fast at sunset. One has to abstain from food and drink, increased recitation of the Holy Qu'ran, have extended prayers and keep away from forbidden acts such as gossips, stealing, telling lies etc...

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It draws one closer to Allah (God) by the aiding in purification of the heart/soul and helps to improve ones character. During the month of Ramadan one is encouraged to do praiseworthy acts eg charity, kindness, generosity, patience and forgiveness. In 2012 Ramadan starts on the 20th of July and ends on the 18th of August. (all depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon) Every year Ramadan begins eleven days earlier than the previous year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~Eid Ul-Fitr~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eid ul-fitr is celebrated after completing the fasting month of Ramadan. Early in the morning the Muslims attend a large congregational prayer at the mosque or at centres/halls. The rest of the day is enjoyed by visiting families and friends. The best part is receiving money and gifts. Eid lasts 3 days.

 

 

Reviewed by Aaliyah

 

Raksha Bandhan - Indian Festival

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima is a Hindu and Sikh festival that celebrates the relationship between a brother and sister or a cousin. Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan like this; the sister ties a rakhi or Holy thread on the brother's wrist that symbolizes the love of a sister and the well-being of a brother.

Raksha Bandhan was celebrated by Lord Yama and his sister Lord Yamuna. Once upon a time Lord Yamuna tied a rakhi to Lord Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved by the tranquility of the occasion that he declared that whovever gets a rakhi tied from his sister and promised her protection, will be immortal. This celebration was celebrated by many Hindus and Sikhs in India and Nepal but nowadays, all the Indian brothers and sisters all around the world are celebrating it.

By: Shivaansh A6