Describe a Traditional Festival (or Tradition) that is important in your Country - IELTS Cue Card

Describe a traditional festival (or tradition) that is important in your country cue card- sample answer 1

Introduction

India is a country of culture and heritage known for its beliefs and practices worldwide. Festivals in India are celebrated with zeal like no other, and some last more than a week. Today, I will discuss one such festival: Durga Puja.

When does the festival occur?

Durga Puja or Durgotsava is traditionally a 10-day festival celebrated in the month of Ashvina, which is the seventh month according to the Hindu calendar and September-October according to the Gregorian calendar. It is mostly celebrated in the eastern part of India, such as West Bengal, Assam, and other eastern states. 

What do you do during it?

For as long as I can remember, I have taken five days off and visited Kolkata for the last five days, as they are the most important ones. There have been different activities in the last five days in which I engaged, and the highlight for me was visiting the Kalibari temple, which is a famous Durga Temple in Kolkata. 

What do you like or dislike about it?

I love the environment of festivity and the enthusiasm with which people celebrate it in the East. Another thing I absolutely adore about the festival is that it is dedicated to Goddess Durga, whom I worship a lot. However, I do not like that some aspects of the festival are very harmful to the environment, like the waste of flowers and water, the excessive crowd and high waste disposal. 

Why is this festival important?

The festival is important because, according to Hindu beliefs and rituals, Goddess Durga fought and won over the dangerous demon called Mahishasura. This demon could shape-shift, and no other God was able to defeat him. He wanted to destroy each and every God and wanted to rule over them.

Conclusion

To conclude, Durga Puja is one of my favourite festivals, and I enjoy it thoroughly. I enjoy the festivities, tradition, and essence of the festival. 

Also, read: Describe an important decision you made - IELTS cue card

Describe a traditional festival (or tradition) that is important in your country cue card- sample answer 2

Introduction

India is famous for its various festivals and the way they are celebrated. Every festival has a different meaning and story behind its celebration. This is why today, I will be discussing a lesser-known festival celebrated in India, Krishna Janmashtami. 

When does the festival occur?

According to the Hindu and Gregorian calendars, the festival occurs in the month of Bhadrapada, which is August- September. The day of Krishna Janamashtmi is celebrated because Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, which is why it is called Janmashtami. 

What do you do during it?

During this festival, I fast, go to the temple at midnight, prepare food, and much more. I also visited the Krishna temple in Mathura when I was young during Krishna Janamashtmi. The festivities and the environment fill me with positive energy and enthusiasm.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I like how everyone comes together and worships God without any animosity; everyone is in happy spirits, and they enjoy night vigils. As Lord Krishna was known for stealing makhan, people prepare handi and stack it up on one another to break it; it is one of the rituals done on this day. I do not dislike anything about the festival. 

Why this festival is important?

The festival is important as it marks the birth of the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival also signifies a ray of hope and perseverance over the ill times.

Conclusion

To conclude, even though the festival is only celebrated for a day, everyone comes together with zeal and love to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. I enjoy the festival because it holds immense value in our Hindu culture. 

Also, read: Describe a time you were very busy - IELTS Speaking cue card

IELTS Speaking Part 3- Follow-up questions

Question: Are traditional holidays disappearing?

Answer: Though they are not entirely going away, traditional holidays are changing as a result of cultural shifts. Changes in cultural dynamics, globalisation, and modernisation have impacted how people observe these festivals. Many customs that have been around for a long time are still significant and observed despite changes. By means of educational programs, cultural initiatives, and community activities, attempts are being made to maintain cultural history and encourage the observance of traditional holidays. All things considered, traditional holidays may change, but they always play a crucial role in defining cultural identity and offer chances for celebration and community building.

Question: Do children like to learn about traditional festivals?

Answer: Indeed, many kids are naturally curious and interested in learning about customs surrounding holidays. It might be interesting and intriguing for kids to learn about the traditions, ceremonies, and narratives that underlie these festivities. Children who learn about traditional festivals can better comprehend and value their cultural history, feel more like they belong, and have the opportunity to take part in long-standing customs handed down through the ages.

Question: Is music important to traditional festivals?

Answer: Indeed, music is a big part of traditional celebrations. It sets the tone and improves the entire experience by bringing a lively and joyous ambience to the festivities. During these festivals, traditional music frequently accompanies certain rites and acts, providing cultural importance and fostering a sense of joy and solidarity among participants. It is an effective way to maintain the cultural customs connected to the festivals and let people feel more connected to their history.

Question: What is the importance of traditional festivals?

Answer: Traditional holidays serve three purposes, in my opinion. They give us a feeling of identity by tying us to our history, culture, and heritage. They also help us forget our stress and problems, and they bring families and friends together.

Question: What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

Answer: The biggest difference between festivals in the past and present, in my opinion, is the reason for the celebration. Festivals used to have a reason, but nowadays, people have forgotten why they are celebrated. Festivals are solely observed for happiness and good cheer.

Question: Do you think Western festivals like Christmas are replacing traditional festivals in your country?

Answer: Yes, the arrival of Western holidays like Christmas and Halloween is linked to the Hollywood and Western film craze in India. For the last two or three years, I have also asked my parents for gifts during the Christmas season and decorated a tree. In a similar vein, I have witnessed kids in my neighbourhood going trick-or-treating on Halloween in the previous few years.

Also, read: Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future - IELTS cue card

Conclusion

The topic ‘Describe a traditional festival (or tradition) that is important in your country’ is a common IELTS speaking cue card topic. This is a topic that can be easily discussed. Try to make the topic as personalised as you can and explain everything with your knowledge and wisdom. The essence of speaking well resides in confidence, and knowing what you need to say next, along with good preparation, will definitely help you in acing your speaking module.

We hope you are now clear on how to answer the “Describe a traditional festival (or tradition) that is important in your country” type of IELTS speaking cue card questions. But, if you still need further details on how to prepare for IELTS, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for additional guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best test material and guidance to ace the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session and an IELTS online practice test via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388 for further queries.