What are the roles of fairs and festivals in the culture and Economic development of the country?

The time you bring out that fancy dress and pair them with the jhumkas you told yourself you’d wear on a special day has come. The week when the entire family goes on a cleaning spree. The moment when you get to see new bedsheets and towels you didn’t even know existed in the house. But it is also the time, when not only the house is lit up but also our hearts. These are the times we call festivals. India has always been a country of heterogeneity and unity. It’s a place where every 50- 100 km we can see the language and culture change. The various cultures along with them, bring multiple occasions to celebrate on. Each culture has its festival of importance. We have Onam in Kerala, Durga Puja for the Bengalis, the festival of lights- Diwali, Holi- the festival of colours and many more.

It’s easy to think festivals are just about a bunch of privileged people in a field drinking cider and dancing – and yes, those festivals are great – but the layers of significant cultural importance that make up even those festivals represent a long journey within a particular culture, society and history. The importance of festivals to culture and society cannot be underestimated. There are many types of festivals worldwide, and we need them all to return – here’s why… Unity The protagonist in the movie “Evan Almighty” says that when a person asks God for ‘Familial Love’ he doesn’t give them love. Instead, he creates opportunities for the family to strengthen their bond with each other. When someone asks God for Courage, he doesn’t give them courage instead he allows them to be courageous. Similarly, these festivals are moments and opportunities that bring us together. Knowledge These are frequent remarks we’ve forgotten from our elders, parents and teachers. Despite that, textbooks are not the only way to learn and grow. Festivals teach us a great deal about our community. We get to know the reasons behind the why and the how. Entertainment Festivals help us to enjoy ourselves. We have fun while celebrating, forgetting about our worries. These are times we break out of our mundane, monotonous routines. These festivals help us break out of our daily regimes and truly enjoy ourselves without having to worry about work or chores. Each festival is famous for being celebrated in different ways according to tradition. Heritage As we continue to modernize, adopt various cultures, and move to places, we may forget where our origin lies. Festivals are reminders of what we stand for, where we belong and what our values our. We learn about our own culture and how it came to be, the struggles our forefathers had to undergo to give us the freedom that we now enjoy. It’s a time to connect and reconnect with those forgotten heroes and their stories of valour. Social welfare Festivals don’t only mean spending endlessly on our own selves these are also times when many people around the world come together to help those in need and help brighten the days of those who live in a bleak world of poverty. There are many pandals and organizations which donate and help people on such occasions. When people buy diyas from small street vendors than the big fancy shops then they are just not lighting their own house but someone’s life as well. Economy During festival season, our economy experiences a huge boast. There are many people looking to spend and so are the shopkeepers who are ready to sell. Flight or airline ticket prices skyrocket as people wish to go home and celebrate with their families. The service industry enjoys as people enjoy in hotels during their vacations or decide on holding parties to celebrate. The sweet stores appeal to the sweet tooth of the mass as people like to start any festival this way. The economy is directly linked to demand and supply. During festivals, the demands reach heights as stores try to bring in customers with lucrative sales and discounts.

All over the world, consumers’ sentiments and religious beliefs play key roles in the economic activities of buying and selling goods and services. In spiritual countries like India, festivals show a significant influence on economic activities. Diwali, which is one of the most important festivals in India, has its influence on the economic activities of the country. Diwali is a busy shopping season in India and apart from this, many business families in North India, start their new financial year from Diwali. Industries which are directly influenced by this festival of the Garments industry, Jewellery and food items producing firms like sweets, Painting industry is also influenced by this festival because many people decorate their houses with new paints in the Diwali season. The crackers industry is also one of the industries which experience huge sales during the Diwali season in India. Besides this, in south India, during the Diwali season marriages are also performed in large numbers, because this season is treated as a holy season. All these activities will have an impact on the economic activities of the country. Festivals do not help us learn about our past heritage and culture. They also help us discover our own selves, and we come to realize our interests. You might never know how much fun you have been an organizer till that family function you organize when your mom grills you for it. Cooking might never seem appealing to you if you don’t cook with your mother for dinner with your family. As a whole, these are beautiful times in our lives which leave us memories to cherish forever. The main teaching of every festival is in being present and enjoying while remaining in the company of those that truly wish for your happiness. We must remember, that it is not only about cleaning our house or looking beautiful on the outside but also about cleansing ourselves from the inside. You can always make up your own personal tradition for any festival, one which doesn’t change the meaning of the holiday but helps you find joy and peace.