India is a land of Unity in diversity. The diversity of India is so immense that a single festival is celebrated in the country with different names in different ways. The most apt example being festival of “Lohri”/Makar Sankranti. The festival is celebrated across India with different names.

Indian villages are the actual repository of India’s culture and traditions. It is the villages where many of the festivals are celebrated in its original form. Right since my childhood I have seen most of these festivals being celebrated in India especially in the northern part of the country. The festivals had profound impact on the lifestyle of the common people.

Globalization has had profound impacts on cultures around the world, including those in India. One significant effect has been on the traditional festivals of India, many of which have been marginalized or forgotten in the face of rapid cultural changes. The festivals which used to be the fabric of village society are being forgotten at a very fast pace. Emergence of Social Media like Facebook, Instagram has further accentuated that matter.

Impact of Globalization

1. Cultural Homogenization: Globalization promotes the spread of a dominant global culture, often overshadowing local traditions. Western festivals like Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas have become popular in urban India, often at the expense of local festivals.
2. Urbanization: As more people move to cities, the community-based nature of many traditional festivals is lost. Urban life often leads to the neglect of smaller, rural festivals that do not have the commercial appeal of larger, more recognized celebrations.
3. Economic Pressures: Globalization has brought economic changes that prioritize productivity and modern lifestyles. Traditional festivals that require time and communal effort may be seen as less important in a fast-paced, economically driven society.
4. Media Influence: The global media promotes certain festivals extensively, leading to increased visibility and popularity. This often results in lesser-known local festivals being ignored.

Forgotten Festivals of India

1. Ganga Dussehra: Celebrated in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, this festival marks the descent of the Ganges River from heaven to earth. Once a major event, it has lost prominence as urban lifestyles and globalized media favor more mainstream festivals.
2. Basant Panchami: While still celebrated, the significance of Basant Panchami, which marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, has diminished, particularly in urban areas where Western New Year and Valentine’s Day overshadow it.
3. Chhath Puja: Although still celebrated in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja has not received the same attention or recognition on a national level compared to festivals like Diwali and Holi. The festival has been revived by the people from Bihar residing all over the World. However the festival is largely being forgotten in the villages of UP especially the Awadh region.
4. Bhagoria Festival: This tribal festival of the Bhil and Bhilala tribes in Madhya Pradesh involves traditional music, dance, and a unique form of matchmaking. Modernization and migration have led to a decline in its traditional practices.
5. Karva Chauth: While Karva Chauth has gained some media attention, especially through Bollywood, the commercialization has altered its traditional essence, and in many urban areas, it is celebrated more for its media-driven romantic narrative rather than its traditional roots.
6. Nag Panchami: A traditional festival celebrated in parts of UP is now largely forgotten. Earlier there used to be many activities on this day.

Efforts to Revive and Preserve

1. Cultural Organizations: Various cultural organizations and NGOs are working to revive these festivals by organizing events, workshops, and educational programs that highlight their significance.
2. Government Initiatives: The Indian government, through bodies like the Ministry of Culture, has been promoting regional festivals to preserve the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
3. Community Efforts: In many rural areas, local communities continue to celebrate their traditional festivals with zeal, keeping their cultural heritage alive despite external influences.
4. Media and Social Media: Increasingly, social media platforms are being used to promote and share information about lesser-known festivals, helping to raise awareness among younger generations.

Conclusion

Globalization has undoubtedly influenced the cultural landscape of India, leading to the marginalization of many traditional festivals. However, through concerted efforts by cultural organizations, government initiatives, and community participation, there is hope for the revival and preservation of these important cultural practices. Embracing globalization while maintaining a connection to traditional roots can help ensure that India’s rich tapestry of festivals continues to thrive.

• Culture and Heritage