Festival season is here, and with it comes the hustle and bustle we all recognize. Markets overflow with shoppers, streets come alive with lights and colors, and in India, work often grinds to a standstill. During Diwali, as in other major Indian festivals, many of us take time off, sometimes for a week or more. The same holds true worldwide, where celebrations like Christmas and New Year prompt weeks of festivities. But with all the merrymaking, are we perhaps losing sight of the real spirit and purpose of these festivals?
When we dig deeper into the essence of our festivals, we discover that each is meant to be a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and communal unity. However, in recent years, commercialism and social media have significantly influenced our celebrations. Every store seems to push a “buy more” mentality, luring consumers with discounts and deals that can lead to unnecessary purchases. This trend is particularly evident in festivals like Diwali, where people flock to the markets, sometimes buying more than they need, often spending hard-earned money on items they don’t truly want.
Consider, for instance, the increasing consumption of sweets during Diwali. Many of these sweets are mass-produced, sometimes with synthetic ingredients that compromise both quality and health. In good old days Diwali celebrations used to be simple gatherings, sharing homemade sweets, and teaching children the festival’s deeper meaning. But now, the grandeur of elaborate celebrations can overshadow these humble beginnings. The competitive spirit, too—whether it’s lighting the brightest house or setting off the most firecrackers—often pushes families to go beyond their means, risking financial strain.
This surge in consumerism and social pressures can also place undue stress on those with limited resources. The middle class and economically vulnerable segments of society feel a tug to keep up with these displays, sometimes at the expense of more critical needs like education or family welfare. Excessive expenditure, whether on decorations, firecrackers, or lavish meals, often strains budgets, leaving families to feel the financial impact long after the celebrations end.
Moreover, festivals are meant to honor revered figures and values. Diwali, for instance, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the importance of righteousness, inspired by the story of Lord Rama. But the current culture of overindulgence, be it in sweets, decorations, or even alcohol, diverts from these teachings. The spiritual intent often gets lost amid the revelry. With each festival, there’s an opportunity to learn from the lives of the figures we commemorate, yet we seldom pause to reflect on their virtues, wisdom, and humility.
One notable exception in festival practices lies in Japan, where holidays and commemorations are often observed with a spirit of diligence. Rather than take extended breaks, people in Japan honor their leaders and traditions by working extra hard, reinforcing the idea that true respect can be shown through dedicated effort.
So, how can we rediscover the essence of festivals? Perhaps it’s time for a shift in mindset, especially for the younger generation. Festivals can be occasions not only for celebration but for purposeful actions and resolutions. What if, rather than taking days off work, we dedicated extra hours toward our goals or gave back to the community? By doing so, we could turn these special days into true occasions for national growth and community upliftment.
In conclusion, let’s embrace the lessons embedded in each festival—lessons of humility, kindness, gratitude, and togetherness. This season, instead of accumulating material possessions, let’s focus on strengthening the values that bind us and contribute to our shared well-being. By celebrating responsibly, we can honor the spirit of festivals in a way that benefits our families, society, and nation.
Guchi.
Improve Your Life 