The Commercialization of Festivals
‘Man is by constitution a religious animal’ said
the great scholar Edmund Burke. This is for religion that makes him more
loving, generous, humane and sociable. Every religion has festivals, which are
basically occasions of celebrations, to commemorate a special occasion that
connects people. Thus festivals which were usually associated with religious
ceremonies and merry making, have now degenerated to only merry making, due to
their commercialization.
It is indeed unfortunate, to see clever market man
usurping such pious occasions, to enrich themselves. They launch new range of
products, garments, fashion accessories and even luxury items like cars,
jewellery well before the onset of festivals like Diwali and Christmas. Their
advertisements and discount schemes create an urge to splurge, thus causes rise
in their sales. They encourages us to purchase costly gifts for our friends,
family and children.
The religious rites and customs observed in
celebrating festivals, have also undergone a huge change. Thus for example we
now use decorative lights instead of the traditional diyas burnt with ghee
during Diwali. This was a symbolic welcome to Lord Rama on his return to
Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravan. Similarly at Christmas the carol
singing and the hymns have now been replaced with Christmas ball, and other
forms of cheerfulness.
The commercialization of festivals, is evident
during the Navratri festival. This festival which stretches over a period of
nine days devotees dance ‘Dandia’ to please the Goddess Durga. This dance has
now degenerated to ‘Dandiya Ras’ with filmy songs giving it the form of a disco
vibe. The western influence on it so profound, that the true essence of
pleasing the Goddess Durga, unfortunately is completely forgotten.
The Commercialization of Festivals
Modernity and the Information Technology revolution
has also contributed in diluting the essence of festivals. This is for we now
sent e-mails, or just a card to our friends and relatives on such occasions. So
great is the pressure of time on us, that we do not have the energy, or
the inclination to visit our near and dear ones, to celebrate the festivals
that comes once a year. On the contrary we love to go shopping at Diwali melas,
Christmas sale or other functions usually associated with commercialization of
such festivals.
Thus festivals have now been reduced to
celebrations and merry making only. Man has succeeded by his originality, to
convert such pious occasions, to enrich himself materially. There is however an
urgent need for us to pray and introspect, while celebrating our festivals, for
this can only enrich us spiritually and mentally.
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