39. Topic: A Festival or Celebration
– Question 39: Describe a festival or celebration you’ve attended.
– You should say:
– What is the festival, and when does it occur?
– Where did you celebrate it, and who accompanied you?
– What customs or traditions are associated with it?
– How did you feel during the celebration?
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
One of the most memorable festivals I have attended is Onam, which is the most significant festival in Kerala, India. Onam typically occurs in the month of August or September, marking the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate the harvest and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
I celebrated Onam at my relative’s house in Kerala, surrounded by my family and close friends. The celebration was lively, full of joy, and deeply rooted in tradition. We all wore traditional attire—mundu for men and kasavu saree for women—adding to the festive spirit.
One of the key customs associated with Onam is the preparation of the Onam Sadya, a grand feast that features an array of delicious vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The feast includes various curries, rice, pickles, and the sweet dish payasam. The meal is both a feast for the stomach and a celebration of the harvest season. Another significant tradition is the pookalam, a floral arrangement made in front of the house, symbolising the welcoming of King Mahabali. Additionally, there are cultural performances like Thiruvathira dance and Vallam Kali (the famous boat races) that make the festival even more vibrant.
During the celebration, I felt a sense of deep connection to my roots and the people around me. The warmth of family, the joy of sharing meals together, and the lively atmosphere made it a truly special experience. Onam is not just a festival of food and festivities but also a reminder of the values of unity, community, and gratitude.
In conclusion, Onam is a celebration that holds immense cultural significance for me. It’s a festival that brings people together, reflects the rich traditions of Kerala, and fills the air with happiness and joy. I always look forward to it, and it’s one of the highlights of my year.
List of vocabulary used:
- Memorable – Worth remembering, significant.
- Festival – A special event or celebration, often related to culture or religion.
- Significant – Important or meaningful.
- Legendary – Famous or well-known in stories.
- Homecoming – The return of someone to their home or place of origin.
- Harvest – The process of gathering crops or produce.
- Cultural heritage – Traditions, customs, and values passed down through generations.
- Attire – Clothing or dress.
- Mundu – A traditional garment worn by men in Kerala, similar to a sarong.
- Kasavu saree – A traditional white saree with gold borders worn by women in Kerala.
- Customs – Established practices or rituals in a particular culture or group.
- Onam Sadya – A traditional festive feast served during Onam, typically with vegetarian dishes.
- Sadya – A multi-course meal, especially in Kerala, served on a banana leaf.
- Curries – Dishes made with meat or vegetables in a spiced sauce.
- Pickles – Preserved food, usually made from fruits or vegetables with spices.
- Payasam – A sweet dish, typically a type of pudding made with milk, sugar, and rice or lentils.
- Pookalam – A floral arrangement, often made in front of houses during Onam.
- Symbolising – Representing or standing for something.
- Thiruvathira dance – A traditional dance performed in Kerala during Onam.
- Vallam Kali – A traditional boat race, often associated with Onam.
- Vibrant – Full of life, energy, or colour.
- Roots – One’s cultural or familial origins.
- Unity – The state of being united or together.
- Community – A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests.
- Gratitude – The feeling of thankfulness.
- Cultural significance – The importance of something in terms of culture.
- Highlights – Notable or most exciting parts of an event or experience.
Idioms and Phrases
- Most significant festival – The most important or widely celebrated festival.
- Homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali – The return or arrival of King Mahabali, a central figure in the Onam festival myth.
- Come together – Gather or unite, especially in celebration or for a common purpose.
- Full of joy – Overflowing with happiness and excitement.
- Rooted in tradition – Deeply connected to long-standing customs and practices.
- Wore traditional attire – Dressed in clothing that reflects cultural or ceremonial customs.
- Adding to the festive spirit – Enhancing or contributing to the joyous atmosphere of a celebration.
- Onam Sadya – A traditional grand feast associated with the Onam festival, featuring many dishes.
- Feast for the stomach – A meal that satisfies hunger, often a large or elaborate one.
- A celebration of the harvest season – A festival marking the gathering of crops and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
- Pookalam – A traditional floral arrangement created as part of the Onam celebrations.
- Symbolising the welcoming of King Mahabali – Representing the gesture of inviting King Mahabali during Onam.
- Cultural performances – Artistic displays such as music, dance, or theatre that showcase cultural traditions.
- Thiruvathira dance – A traditional dance performed during Onam, characterised by graceful movements.
- Vallam Kali (boat races) – A famous and competitive boat race, often part of Onam festivities.
- Deep connection to my roots – A strong sense of belonging to one’s cultural and familial origins.
- The warmth of family – The emotional closeness and affection felt in family relationships.
- Lively atmosphere – A vibrant and energetic environment full of excitement.
- A reminder of the values of unity, community, and gratitude – A reflection of important principles such as togetherness, cooperation, and thankfulness.
- One of the highlights of my year – A key or most memorable event or experience during the year.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Names
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Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accomodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
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Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes&Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
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Sleep
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Trees&Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
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Texting
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Memorising
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Travelling
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Communication
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Letter&Email
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Swimming
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Snacks
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Photography
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Help
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History
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Handwriting
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Music
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Colours
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Teachers
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Being Alone
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Teamwork
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Countryside & City
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Social Media
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Friends
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Transportation
Explore different modes of transportation in your area.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
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Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
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Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
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Global Warming
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Gender Equality
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Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
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Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
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Education System
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Traditional Cuisine
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