Cultural Festivals and Importance Across Nations

Celebrations and ceremonies are the essence of human culture, resonating with tradition, community, and significance. Whether it’s the joy of a festival or the reverence of a ritual, these events provide opportunities for connection and contemplation, intertwining the fabric of our shared history and identity. From weddings and graduations to religious observances and national holidays, each celebration and ceremony acts as a cornerstone, anchoring us in the present while paying homage to the past and igniting optimism for the future. In this Essay, we delve into two major celebrations, Nowruz and Diwali.

The part of my culture I am describing is the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New  Year,  which is deeply rooted in  Iranian culture and tradition.  Nowruz has its origins in ancient times, dating back thousands of years, and its celebration marks the beginning of the solar year.  It is one of the most significant festivals in Iran and holds great cultural and spiritual importance.

The participants in Nowruz celebrations are vast and diverse, encompassing people from all walks of life in Iran. Families gather together to mark the occasion, communities come together for festivities, and individuals partake in various rituals and customs associated with the holiday. Institutions such as schools, workplaces, and government organizations also acknowledge Nowruz as an official holiday, further solidifying its importance in  Iranian society.

Nowruz holds immense significance for Iranians, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.  It serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and reconnecting with one’s roots and heritage. Now, as the largest annual Iranian celebration, holds a special place for me and my family, and every year 3-4 weeks before we prepare for it. The traditions associated with Nowruz, such as Cleaning the house, buying something new for home and changing old stuff with new, wearing new clothes, preparing special dishes for the first day of Nowruz,  baking various traditional sweets,  and many other activities keep us busy with family.  Usually, my mother prepares a special dish for the first day of Nowruz, which is fish accompanied by rice, and she is very skilled in cooking it finally, the last step is setting the Haft  Sin table.  All of this activity with visiting tombs Day before Nowruz, carries deep cultural and spiritual meanings, fostering a sense of unity and continuity among Iranians both at home and abroad.

As an integral part of my culture, Nowruz holds a special place in my heart.  Its rich history, meaningful rituals, and enduring traditions have taught me the importance of honoring and preserving cultural heritage. The event or celebration I want to describe in the essay is Diwali, also known as the  Festival of  Lights.  Diwali is an annual Hindu festival celebrated across India and by Hindu communities worldwide.  It holds great religious, cultural, and social significance, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.  The festival is characterized by elaborate preparations, colorful decorations, traditional rituals, and joyous celebrations with family and friends. Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and spreading happiness and prosperity.

Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival with its roots in India, although its exact origin date is not pinpointed.  Over time, Diwali has evolved from simple oil lamp celebrations to elaborate festivities with colorful decorations, fireworks, and community gatherings.  It has expanded beyond its religious origins to include broader cultural and social dimensions, celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Despite commercialization and globalization, Diwali remains a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and celebration of light. During the festival, people make significant food like Freshly fried snacks like onion bhajia are served during Diwali in some parts of the country, especially in the north. Morales, C. (2023). A Golden Treat for Diwali. New York Times (Online),

Diwali is celebrated primarily by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.  Families, religious institutions, and cultural organizations participate.  The significance lies in its symbolization of light overcoming darkness and good prevailing over evil.  For participants, it’s a time for religious observance, cultural heritage, family gatherings, and community bonding.I find discussing cultural events and celebrations like Diwali interesting because they provide valuable insights into the diversity of human cultures, traditions, and beliefs. I chose to describe Diwali because it is a widely celebrated and culturally rich festival that holds significance for millions of people around the world.  Through researching and writing about Diwali, I’ve learned about its historical origins, religious significance, cultural traditions, and social impact.  I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how festivals like Diwali serve as expressions of identity, community, and spirituality, fostering connections among people and preserving cultural heritage across generations.

When analyzing the cultural events of Nowruz and Diwali, we can observe both similarities and differences. These are big and important celebrations in these two Countries rich in culture. In this part, I will examine the similarities and differences between these two celebrations.Both festivals hold immense cultural significance within their respective communities. Nowruz, celebrated predominantly by Iranians, marks the Persian New Year and Diwali, is celebrated across India, and holds great religious and cultural importance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists alike. Also, both Nowruz and Diwali symbolize themes of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. One of the most important similarities between these two celebrations is that both of them are very suitable for family celebrations and family gatherings.

One of the biggest differences between these two celebrations is that a significant part of Diwali has its roots in religion and religious beliefs among different religious orientations among individuals. But regarding Nowruz, we can say that it is a traditional and ancient celebration rooted in history and tradition. In fact, it is an occasion for the renewal of the year and the daily calendar, accompanied by special cultural ceremonies.

“Prayer ceremonies during Diwali serve as a poignant reminder of spiritual devotion and gratitude. Families gather to offer prayers to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness. (Patel & Sharma,2019)

For a better understanding of this topic, for example, one could refer to the ceremonies of prayer and supplication held during Diwali, while there are no religious ceremonies in the Nowruz celebration.However, Ultimately, in my opinion, the significant aspect present in these two celebrations is the importance they hold among people and the emphasis on organizing them as splendidly as possible. For whatever reason, historical, traditional, religious, etc. What’s even more crucial is the coming together of families and the respect given to these traditions, as well as introducing them to the younger generation within the family. This greatly enhances the beauty of these celebrations.

In conclusion, the comparison between Nowruz and Diwali highlights both the commonalities and distinctions inherent in these culturally significant celebrations. While both festivals serve as occasions for renewal, hope, and familial togetherness, Diwali’s religious underpinnings set it apart from the more secular nature of Nowruz. The emphasis on prayer and spiritual devotion during Diwali contrasts with the historical and traditional focus of Nowruz, which lacks explicit religious ceremonies. However, despite these differences, both festivals underscore the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering family unity. Ultimately, whether rooted in religion, tradition, or history, the beauty of these celebrations lies in their ability to bring people together, transcending boundaries and enriching lives with shared meaning and cherished memories.

Reference:

Patel, R.,& Sharma, S.(2019).The Significance of Prayer Ceremonies in Diwali Celebration. Journal of Hindu Studies,7(1),30-42.

Morales, Christina. “A Golden Treat for Diwali.” The New York Times, 2 Nov. 2023.