Are We Embracing Too Much of the West While Our Own Culture Stands Ignored?
Nidhi | Jan 21, 2025, 22:35 IST
This article delves into the increasing influence of Western culture in India, examining how the celebration of Western festivals and adoption of foreign lifestyles are affecting traditional Indian customs. It discusses the potential erosion of India's rich cultural heritage and emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous traditions amidst globalization.
Walk into any Indian mall during Christmas, and you’ll see trees twinkling with lights, Santa hats for sale, and people humming carols. Schools hold Christmas celebrations, and offices grant a holiday for it—even in a country where only a small percentage of the population identifies as Christian. On the other hand, how many Western countries celebrate Indian festivals like Diwali or Holi with the same enthusiasm?This one-sided cultural exchange isn’t just about festivals—it’s a glimpse into how deeply Western influence has seeped into our lives. While we’ve embraced their traditions, food, and clothes, our own culture often gets sidelined. This raises an important question: Are we adopting too much from the West while neglecting our own roots?
In India, we celebrate Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even Halloween with great excitement. Malls, schools, and offices leave no stone unturned to mark these occasions. Halloween parties are the new trend in cities, and Valentine’s Day has become a major event for couples.
But the reverse isn’t true. Diwali might light up a few landmarks in New York or London, but it’s not an official holiday. Holi, known for its vibrant colors, is celebrated as a casual “color party” abroad, with little understanding of its deeper meaning.
This isn’t just a cultural exchange—it’s a one-sided affair where we’re celebrating their festivals, but ours are barely acknowledged globally.
The issue isn’t about celebrating Western festivals. The problem lies in how we prioritize them over our own. While Christmas sees decorations in every corner, Diwali often gets reduced to shopping sales and social media posts. The spiritual and cultural aspects of our festivals are fading, replaced by commercialism or indifference.
Young Indians today are more familiar with Christmas carols than traditional Diwali bhajans. They may eagerly dress up for Halloween but might not know the story of Holika or the meaning of Navratri. This cultural imbalance raises concerns about whether the next generation will truly understand or value their own heritage.
If this trend continues, the essence of Indian culture could slowly fade. Here’s what we risk losing:
This isn’t about rejecting Western culture—it’s about balance. Here’s how we can preserve our traditions while embracing global ones:
Globalization has brought wonderful opportunities to learn from other cultures. Celebrating Christmas or Halloween isn’t wrong—it’s a sign of India’s openness. But it’s equally important to celebrate and cherish our own traditions.
If we don’t take steps now, future generations might know how to decorate a Christmas tree but not why we light diyas on Diwali. Let’s ensure that while we enjoy global festivities, we don’t forget the rich heritage that makes India truly unique.
The Western Festival Craze
Christmas
But the reverse isn’t true. Diwali might light up a few landmarks in New York or London, but it’s not an official holiday. Holi, known for its vibrant colors, is celebrated as a casual “color party” abroad, with little understanding of its deeper meaning.
This isn’t just a cultural exchange—it’s a one-sided affair where we’re celebrating their festivals, but ours are barely acknowledged globally.
The Problem: Losing Our Cultural Balance
Indian Culture
Young Indians today are more familiar with Christmas carols than traditional Diwali bhajans. They may eagerly dress up for Halloween but might not know the story of Holika or the meaning of Navratri. This cultural imbalance raises concerns about whether the next generation will truly understand or value their own heritage.
Why Does This Happen?
- Global Influence of the West:
Western countries dominate global media, entertainment, and fashion. Hollywood movies and English music have a massive following, shaping how we view the world. Their festivals, customs, and traditions become aspirational. - Convenience and Appeal:
Western festivals are easy to adopt. Christmas, for example, doesn’t require a deep understanding of its religious roots to enjoy the lights, gifts, and celebrations. In contrast, Indian festivals often come with rituals, prayers, and community involvement, which require effort and understanding. - Lack of Global Recognition for Indian Traditions:
While we celebrate Western festivals widely, our own festivals are not given the same space on the global stage. Many outside India don’t fully understand or celebrate Diwali, Holi, or Eid with the same enthusiasm. This lack of reciprocity reflects an imbalance in cultural appreciation.
What’s at Stake?
- Festivals Losing Meaning: Diwali is increasingly about shopping discounts, and Holi is turning into a “color splash” event with no mention of its rich history.
- Generational Disconnect: Younger generations might grow up knowing more about Christmas trees than the significance of a diya.
- Dilution of Identity: Over time, prioritizing Western traditions could weaken our unique cultural identity, making it harder for future generations to connect with their roots.
The Way Forward
This isn’t about rejecting Western culture—it’s about balance. Here’s how we can preserve our traditions while embracing global ones:
- Celebrate Both: Enjoy Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but don’t let them overshadow Diwali or Raksha Bandhan. Celebrate Indian festivals with equal (or more) enthusiasm.
- Educate the Next Generation: Teach children the stories, significance, and rituals behind our festivals. Ensure they know why we light diyas during Diwali or play with colors on Holi.
- Promote Indian Culture Globally: Showcase the beauty of our traditions on global platforms. Host cultural events that explain the meaning behind our festivals.
- Reclaim the Spirit of Our Festivals: Go beyond shopping and partying. Focus on the rituals, prayers, and family connections that make Indian festivals special.
Conclusion: Embrace, But Don’t Forget
If we don’t take steps now, future generations might know how to decorate a Christmas tree but not why we light diyas on Diwali. Let’s ensure that while we enjoy global festivities, we don’t forget the rich heritage that makes India truly unique.