Hanukkah is an annual Jewish festival, celebrated
with lots of fun and fervor. The celebrations for the festival are
marked by kindling of candles on a special candelabrum called Menorah,
which serves as one of the important traditions of Chanukah. One candle
is lit on each of the eight nights of the festival. There is a specific
pattern for lighting the candles. Traditionally, the candles are lit
from right to left. Singing songs, saying prayers and giving small gifts
to children are other customs followed to mark Hanukkah celebrations.
Hanukkah prayers/ blessings are sung before the candles are lit on the
Menorah. Sometimes, the songs are also sung while lighting the candles.
Apart from the religious observance, traditional food is cooked all
through the eight days of the festival. Traditional Hanukkah dinner
usually consists of potato latkes, roasted chicken, doughnuts, and other
delicacies that are specially made of oil. Hanukkah is a carnival where
people spend the time with great devotion and fun.
The concept of celebrating of Chanukah is not just limited to following
traditional customs. Exciting parties are also arranged as part of the
celebrations. Activities arranged at the parties escalate the spirits of
people. Crafts, the traditional dreidel game and menu are the major
attractions of Hanukkah parties. The Jewish community eagerly awaits the
25th day of the month of Kislev, to kick-start the glorious Festival of
Lights.
