Commercialization Of Festivals

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Dīvali (or Dīpāwali, often written Deepavali) is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas-cotton-like string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with coconut oil-to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. The only concerns about the commercialization of the festival are regarding the prolifiration of firecrackers. Levels of SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) and RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter) was found marginally higher on Diwali day. Crackers, which use large quantities of sulphur and paper, spew out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air, also lead and other metallic substances are suspended in the air causing respiratory problems. Considering these facts, bursting of crackers is prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts The basic aim of any festival is to show our love for God. When one commercializes a festival, that basic aim is forgotten and everyone involved is thinking, "What am I going to get on this festival." In fact, in some instances; the festivals have been commercialized so much, that kids do not even know the significance of the festival and consider it just another holiday or just another chance to increase their material possesions. Commercial establishments have a field day in these instances. Ideally, traditions such as those practiced during the holidays are reminders of the glorious events of the past. They are a means of reviving the spirit of charity, gratitude, and honor that was inspired by the original events at the time. Of course, the tendency is not to give it so much thought. Even as the populous becomes disillusioned with simple holiday-symbol motifs and search for deeper meaning, the commercial machine has responded with

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