FESTIVALS - TRADITION OR TRENDY HYPE ?
These triple Pongal days, I was on the road traveling 436 km on 14th Jan 2025 and the same distance back on 16 th Jan from Coimbatore to Kanyakumari. Pongal celebrations - have they remained the same or just hyped up by TV shows or shopping melas?
Certainly, the way Indians celebrate traditional festivals has evolved in recent years. There is less of road side games or Pongalo Pongal worshipping in the apparent open fields!
While commercialization is evident, with a focus on consumerism as evidenced by full page adverts of big shopping corporations on the papers or numerous TV programs, many still prioritize religious rituals and family gatherings.
This has been facilitated by the government declaring 5 days official leave.
Festivals continue to be used as platforms for social causes and community engagement.
Essentially, while the way festivals are celebrated has shifted, their cultural and social significance remains strong in Indian society. They should continue to do so, as it retains our identity and hands over traditions to the next generation!
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