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Do We Celebrate Festivals or Just Offers

Today is Onam. A harvest festival that has such deep meaning in Kerala’s culture and history. Yet, when I scroll through conversations and posts, what I mostly see is talk about the sadhya and the new clothes. The feast is grand and the outfits are beautiful, but is that all we want to pass on to the next generation? The real value of Onam was never just about what is on the plate or in the wardrobe. It was about unity, equality, and gratitude for nature’s blessings.

This is not just about Onam. Think of other festivals we celebrate. Ganesh festival rituals never asked for loud music or massive processions. Deepavali never demanded deafening crackers, it was meant to be about lighting your home. Dandiya was about community joy, not blasting speakers all night. Burning the effigy of Ravan in Dussehra, carrying out tazias in Moharram, or decorating trees at Christmas all had meaning and purpose. But what have we turned them into today. If we can burst crackers for IPL wins or weddings, then what real difference are we giving to our sacred festivals.

It is not only about the noise, it is also about the way business has wrapped itself around our traditions. Have you noticed that no matter what festival it is, someone is always trying to sell you something. From Diwali to Christmas to Eid to Lunar New Year, every celebration has quietly turned into a shopping season. In villages, whenever there is a mela, the ground fills with stalls. Toys, sweets, clothes, food, and rides keep people busy and spending. In cities, it is the same story but on a bigger scale. Flash sales, festive offers, special editions, and buy one get one free banners take over every shop and website. It almost makes you wonder if festivals were meant for faith or for sales.

The formula is simple. A crowd gathers, everyone is in a good mood, wallets open faster, and that is the perfect time for business people to push products. History tells us that festivals were always about worship, family, and community bonding. But slowly they have been shaped into mega markets.

With all the lights, music, discounts, and social media posts, it is worth asking if we are losing the real meaning of our festivals. Are we celebrating the occasion or are we only celebrating the noise and the sale.

Picture a Diwali where instead of rushing to the mall, you stayed home, lit lamps, told your children the story of the festival, and spent the evening together. Imagine a Christmas where instead of chasing gifts, families cooked together and sang songs. Think of an Eid where instead of showing off new clothes online, people shared food with someone who needed it more. None of this requires a shopping bag, but all of this brings back the warmth of the festival.

If we want our festivals to be about values and faith, there is no need to shop endlessly or make them louder each year. We can pray, laugh, eat, sing, and share. That way the festival becomes lighter on our wallet, gentler on our environment, and stronger in our hearts.

So the next time a brand shouts about a festive offer or a loudspeaker tries to outdo another in volume, smile and remember that the real celebration is not in what you buy or how much noise you make. It is in the company you keep and the memories you create.

Festivals are for people, not for products. You can always skip the sale and the noise, but never skip the smile.

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