Dear Editor,
Over the years, as modernization and globalization has taken over our country and every single action has become monetized, the true significance of the festivals has become stagnant. Back in time festivals were more inclusive and even people with limited means could join in and enjoy the festivities. As with everything else the passage of time, the advent of globalization and a roaring economy has caused an impingement on the direction of our festivals celebrations today.
Today, people have better pay and can afford to enjoy the luxury of buying new apparel, gadgets, etc. Throughout the year rather than wait for the festivals to make such purchases. Festivals have today become a time to show off from wealth. They have become more self-focused and have moved off from the tradition. It is more about instant gratification now. The traditional means of festivals, celebrations is slowly taking a backseat today. The elementary things that would give us pleasure in celebrating festivals back then no longer enthuse us now.
It is not only the commercialization and modernization that should be blamed for losing charm of festivals. There are other numerous reasons behind them. In the past people used to live in joint families and the charm of celebrating the festivals in joint families is entirely different compared to the nuclear type of families.
Today, people are not able to sync their rhythm with the tune around and in the mad race, the meaning of festivals has reduced to just a holiday when we can binge on web series all night with no pressure of waking up early the next morning. Celebrations have taken a modern garb and McDonald beckons to us on festivals. With the passage of time, the dawn of liberalization and a booming economy have had a bearing on the way of our festival celebrations today. Festivals have become a time to flaunt our riches and splurge away the money so as to be in an invisible competition with the society.
The celebrations have become more self-centered. Money equals happiness. For more money, we need to work more. It won’t come as a surprise to find people working on festivals rather than spending quality time with their families.
Varinder Singh, Udhampur.
