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Thoughts on Commercialization and Consumerism in Modern Day Hindu Festivals and Celebrations

A Guest Post by Gayatri Sankar

How many people today celebrate festivals, keeping in mind the religious/ spiritual connection? Is Diwali celebrated to rejoice Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile? Or is it a celebration for the victory of the 'good over the evil'?

Commercialization and consumerism have far reaching effects on festivals across the globe. The impacts of commercialization and consumerism have polluted the true religious meanings and traditional customs. The growing trend of globalization has cast negative impression on age old beliefs. People tend to celebrate festivals not only as a customary practice but also as a means to exercise their spending power. They succumb to the ever growing popularity of globalization. In other words, festivals are no longer simple religious practices but are ways when producers make their fortunes. In course of time, the true meaning of festivals will remain confined to the history books.

(This article has been written by Gayatri Sankar, an avid read of our blog. It has not been edited and the views expressed are of Gayatri. )

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