Art
Creativity- It's just like an organ​
-maya sharma
The last few months have been at its worst. We've all heard words such as, "stay safe", "stay healthy", "don't mingle", "don't Interact with others" amongst other safety talks. But, did anyone tell us to stay creative?
Creativity is an extremely powerful tool. It has helped many people achieve their personal and big-picture milestones in life and has brought so much satisfaction and joy to countless lives. But more importantly, it allows everyone to express their feelings in a beautiful and unique way.
During the current COVID-19 situation, many people have used their time effectively by bringing out their inner creativity. Artists have created meaningful art pieces describing their feelings and thoughts. Dancers have choreographed pieces based on the different things you should do to practice hygiene. Photographers have captured many stunning moments of the significant change in our daily lives. When life threw lemons at them, they made lemonade and changed the world in their own subtle, yet meaningful ways.
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A lady by the name of Mahina Khanum, has choreographed an Odissi dance (Odissi is a dance form which originated in the Indian state of Orissa) based on what we should do to practice self-hygiene. She has used the classical hand movements and her charming expressions to lure you into her breathtaking performance. Her piece demonstrates her thoughts about our current situation and sends hope to all of us through her graceful dance moves.
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A shot from Mahina Khanum's piece.
Source: Facebook
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To watch the whole video visit this page: https://www.facebook.com/594972202/posts/10157522920227203/
One art piece made by Sofiya Kalitvintsev from Ukraine
Source: Voices of Youth
To have a look a more beautiful art pieces go to:
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/art-and-lockdown-your-drawings-time-coronavirus
Many children from all over the world have created artwork inspired by our heroes - the healthcare workers. They've created art based on their efforts to stop the virus from causing more destruction than it already has. On the website, Voices of Youth, there are a lot of inspirational art pieces which motivate us to work together as one world and destroy a common enemy.
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Just remember that creativity is like an organ, everyone has it. You just have to bring it out and nurture it and one day, it will go a long way with it in changing lives.
discovering cultures
-maya sharma
Lohri
Lohri is a festival celebrated annually on the 13th of January. It is mostly celebrated in Punjab and is celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus. Lohri marks the end of winter and traditionally welcomes longer days and the Sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere. Those who celebrate it light a bonfire, sing and dance, welcoming a new and auspicious year.
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Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa, also known as the Maharashtrian New Year is a springtime festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Lunisolar Hindu calendar. It usually occurs during March or April and is celebrated by making colourful rangolis, carrying a special Gudhi flag, street processions, dancing, and festive foods.
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Ugadi
Ugadi is a festival celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana signifying the new year. It is similar in a way to Gudi Padwa as they both celebrate the first day of the Lunisolar Hindu calendar. People draw kolams, decorate doors with mango leaves, buy new clothes and gifts, and donate money to the poor.
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Dussehra
Dussehra is a festival celebrated all over India usually in the 10th month of the Hindu calendar. This day marks the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king, Ravan, and it is the day he supposedly slew him. This day also signifies the victory of good over evil. People celebrate it by making an effigy or a statue of Ravan and setting it on fire, a tradition that signifies the triumph of good over evil. A tika on the forehead is put along with people performing religious rituals.
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Diwali
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is usually celebrated around October-November, 20 days after Dussehra is celebrated. It is believed that Ram, the king of Ayodhya at that time, returned back from his 14 years of exile on this day to his kingdom. People greeted him with lighting up their house and the streets of Ayodhya, a tradition which is followed even today. Small diyas are kept around the house to light it up and to welcome goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into their homes. People also burst firecrackers, something that has been opposed to in recent times.
Dhaam
Dhaam is a traditional food that's eaten to celebrate in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Dhaam is prepared and served at every joyful event or celebration in the family. Temples also serve Dhaam on most of the religious festivals or auspicious dates. The meal includes plain aromatic rice, fried pulses, spicy vegetable curry of red kidney beans and many desserts to fill one's appetite.
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Monti Fest
Monti is a Konkani name for Mother Mary. Christian Konkanis of Mangalorean origin celebrate the nativity feast in a unique way. This day is celebrated along with the harvest festival on the same day as Thanksgiving for the new crops. Feast preparations to honor Mother Mary start nine days prior along with novena prayers.
All drawings have been made by Maya Sharma