[Points: What religion is—its teachings—objects of religious festivals—social values]
Religion is faith in a superhuman controlling power, specially in God. A religious man believes that as God is good and merciful, there can be nothing wrong or unkind in His creation or in what happens in the universe. This gives him strength in trouble, solace in grief, and hope in despair. Religion also teaches man that God is the common guardian of all, and so it is his duty to look upon all men, whatever their colour or creed as his brothers, and to behave towards them accordingly. He feels that God wants him to be His worthy son. So he tries to live a good and virtuous life.
But the general body of people cannot fully grasp these abstract principles of religion. It is religious festivals that bring home these principles to them through enjoyment. So they are frequent reminders of our duties in life. And as religion has a sacred sentimental appeal to every man, the lessons impressed on us through religious festivals have a greater effect upon us than lessons taught through books.
Most festivals have a unifying effect also. Thus, the Durga Pujah of the Hindus ends in the sprinkling of santijal or water of peace on all present and in their embracing one another. Similar is the case with the Mahamedans who forget all enmity and embrace one another at the end of the Ramjan Fast. The Christians too greet everybody on the Christmas occasion.
Most religious festivals have great social values too. They require the help of different classes of people, high and low. The Durga Pujah of the Hindus requires earth even from the doorstep of a fallen woman as one of the ingredients of offerings. This gives a sense of importance to every member of the society and thus helps create a well-knit-social life.
The jatras and the theatrical performances held in connection with some religious festivals are not only sources of delight to the people all round. They also give effective lessons on the country's history, her culture, her tradition, and the lives of her great men of all ages. This is one of the reasons why even the illiterate masses of India have maintained a standard of culture and moral values that has been a wonder to the people of other lands.
