Then and Now: The Changing Spirit of Festivals

The rituals remain, but is the spirit of togetherness lost to commercialisation and growing distance?

Festivals have long held a sacred place in human society, not just as religious observances but as vibrant celebrations of life, tradition, and the changing rhythms of nature. In earlier times, they were eagerly awaited moments of collective joy that brought communities together, strengthened family bonds, and kept people anchored to their culture. Today, in our fast-paced, ultra-modern digital world, one cannot help but wonder: Do festivals still hold the same significance?

Let us explore this question and consider how the spirit of festivals has evolved over the years—has it truly faded, or has it merely taken a new form?

Some believe that festivals have lost their charm compared to the past. While the core tradition and celebrations may remain, the way they are experienced and perceived has changed.

In earlier times, festival preparations would begin weeks or even months in advance. Whether it was cleaning homes for Diwali or making sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankranti, women would come together to prepare traditional items, elders would share stories behind rituals and past celebrations, and children would listen with wide eyes and eager ears. Festivals were simpler then—focused less on material displays and more on spiritual meaning.

Today, much of that has become commercialised. Readymade decorations, online orders, and store-bought sweets have replaced the personal touch of homemade effort. Convenience has overtaken experience. With smaller families and limited time, festivals often feel like little more than a day off from school or work.

In earlier times, festivals were deeply rooted in community spirit. Celebrations were never private affairs—they were shared with neighbours and the entire locality, where bonds felt like those of an extended family.

Today, physical and emotional distances have grown, especially in urban settings. Nuclear families, gated communities, and digital isolation have made it rare to truly “celebrate together.” Personal visits have been replaced by social media messages, and the essence of festivals has dimmed, becoming largely confined to the immediate family.

In earlier times, life moved at a slower pace, and time felt abundant. People paused to prepare for festivals—a sacred pause that brought meaning and joy. Children eagerly looked forward to the celebrations, spending time with grandparents, neighbours, and friends. The charm lay in the little things—watching the glow of diyas, visiting places of worship, or simply soaking in the festive spirit.

Today, time feels scarce. Work pressures, academic demands, and constant digital connectivity leave little space for wholehearted celebration. Mentally and physically exhausted, people struggle to be fully present. Children, too, are drawn into screens and global influences, replacing joy with gadgets and drifting further from their cultural roots.

Festivals were a key to preserving and transmitting tradition and values from one generation to the next.

Today, it is more globalised with diverse cultural influences impacting traditional celebrations.

Due to this, the loss of authentic cultural experience is seen and felt.

Has enthusiasm died?

It would be unfair to say that enthusiasm has completely disappeared. It has shifted. While some traditions may have faded, they still offer a chance to connect with others and take a break from daily routine. It’s evolving and adapting to a modern lifestyle, which is a natural part of cultural change. The need for celebration is still alive. It just wears a different face.

How people choose to celebrate is a personal matter, and some may still find a deep meaning and joy in traditional celebration. Yes, today festivals may not carry the enthusiasm they did. But the soul of celebration still lives in all of us. The essence is not how lavishly it is celebrated but how deeply it is felt. The challenge lies in reviving it consciously, and if we choose to, we can still bring back the magic. To strike a balance between preserving tradition and adapting to the realities of modern life is the need of the hour.

“Happy festival season to all of you. Enjoy and celebrate our rich heritage.”

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane.)