Children look forward to the festival of Gokulashtami with great interest. They get varieties of eatables on this day. It is also called ‘Krishna janmashtami’, the Ashtami(eighth day after full moon called Krishnapaksha – the time of waning moon) on which Sri Krishna was born. It is a day Lord Vishnu took birth as Krishna. Usually it occurs during August or September. The day is observed with great faith and devotion. In the evening, decorated idol of Krishna is placed in a cradle and worshipped.

Story

Krishna & Sudama

Sudama was Krishna’s friend and devotee. He belonged to a poor Brahmin family. Years passed and Krishna became king of Dwarka but Sudama remained a poor man. Sudama and his wife and children starved without food.

Tired of their pitiable state, one day his wife advised him go seek his friend Krishna’s help. Sudama who was an extremely honest man felt ashamed to ask for help. When his wife insisted, Sudama agreed to go, but realised that going empty-handed to meet a friend after so long would look odd. So he carried with him a handful of puffed rice as a gift. Krishna greeted Sudama warmly when he arrived at the palace. Seeing the splendor of Dwarka, Sudama felt awed. Krishna’s hospitality humbled him, and was now feeling embarrassed to take out his simple gift. Seeing a small bag in Sudama’s hand, Krishna promptly asked him whether his gift was inside the bag. Sudama unwillingly took it out and said he could not gift a handful of puffed rice to a king. Krishna immediately understood Sudama’s problem. He happily accepted the gift as if it was the most precious thing.

When Sudama reached home the next day, he saw a huge mansion instead of his hut and his family wearing new clothes. He went inside and found lots of food. At once he knew that god had showered his blessings on him.

Explain about festival of dassera and methods of celebration all over the country and the importance of deities Durga,

During the month of Ramzan, the Muslims observe ‘Roza’ or fasting for 30 days. This is the time when Prophet Mohammed got the revelation of ‘Koran’, which is the holy book of the Muslims. During the month of Ramzan, the Muslims fast from 6 am to 6 pm. Id-il-fitr is the end of fasting. It is a day of prayers, rejoicing, feasting and merriment; greetings are exchanged on this day. Mecca is the holy place of Muslims. Islam means surrender. Allah is the God and Mohammed is the prophet. The Muslims pray 5 times each – it is called ‘namaz’.

Makar Sankaranti is the day when the glorious Sun God begins into the Northern Hemisphere. Sun stands for spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Makar Sankaranti. It is a harvest festival. This festival is celebrated differently in different parts of India.

In Uttar Pradesh this festival is called “KHICHIRI’. Taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day is regarded as most auspicious. A big one month long “Magha – Mela’ fair begins at Prayag(Allahabad) on this occasion.

In Bengal every year a big mela is held at Ganga Sagar. This mela is attended by a large number of pilgrims from all over the country.

In Tamil Nadu Sankarant is known by the name ‘PONGAL’. It is very popular amongst the farmers. Sankarant is a worship of Sun God.

In Andhra Pradesh it is celebrated as a three day harvest festival “PONGAL’.

In Maharashtra on Sankaranti day people exchange tilgud, til laddus. While exchanging tilguls as token of goodwill people greet each other and ask each other to forget the past ill-feelings and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends.

In Gujarat Sankarant is celebrated more or less as in Maharashtra but the difference is there is a custom of giving gifts to relatives. Kite flying has been associated with this festival and has become an international event.

In Punjag it is celebrated as ‘LOHARI’.

The 40 days anushthana by the devotees of Ayyappa ends on this day in Sabarimala in a big way.

In Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh this festival is known as ‘ SAKARAT’ and is celebrated with great pomp and merriment.

Tribals of Orissa start their new year from this day.

Activity – Sun’s importance and what we learn from Sun. Making Kite.

Song

Take a lesson from the Sun who shines his light on every one
Or the rain that falls on every single shore
No distinction of our race or the colour of our face
Nature’s gifts are there for all men rich or poor.
Love all, Serve all, Understand that Love and Peace is what we need.
Love all, Serve all in every thought, word and deed.
Bear all and do nothing, hear all and say nothing
Give all and take nothing in return
Love is giving and forgiving, self is getting and forgetting
Love all in the spirit of True Love, Love all, Serve all, Understand.
(Live in Love, Love is the solvent of hardest of hard.
Love can confer peace, joy and wisdom
Cultivate love, express love
Let love be your breathe. Love can make gather the affection of all mankind.
The bliss that you give, the love that you share ALONE will be everlasting possession. Love those in tears.
No untruth, no anxiety, no grief. Soak every moment in Love. Spread love.. live in love)
Bear …..