Festivals are meant to be joyous occasions, bringing communities together in celebration. However, the increasing Westernisation of traditional festivities has introduced an alarming trend of excessive drinking, public disorder, and a surge in drink-driving incidents. The essence of these festivals is being overshadowed by reckless behaviour, raising concerns about the impact of such modern interpretations on society.
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Take Guwahati, for instance—a city that embraces diversity, with people from different cultural backgrounds residing together for many reasons- whether it is job, studies or any other reasons. Nonetheless, festivals should be an opportunity to celebrate unity. Instead, they often become a stage for unruly conduct. The real issue is not that locals are being unfairly blamed for such incidents, but rather the growing ‘bar culture’ that normalises binge drinking under the guise of socialising.
A series of unfortunate events exemplifies the hard time. The night of Holi was a miserable one, during which an inebriated girl set havoc among the shops in the Wireless Area at Beltola. She was then indulged in a quarrel with another woman.
Similarly, during last year's Diwali, a distressing drink-and-drive incident occurred on GS Road. A speeding car, driven by a drunken person, crashed into the side of another vehicle which got heavily damaged. Such are the only signs of a massive problem.
In Assam, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.03%) is illegal. Yet, such laws are frequently flouted. The penalties are stringent—first-time offenders face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of ₹10,000, while repeat offenders risk two years behind bars and a ₹15,000 fine. However, enforcement alone cannot fix the problem; societal attitudes towards drinking during celebrations must change.
The question remains—why has excessive drinking become synonymous with festivities? Western influences have undoubtedly played a role, where clubbing, late-night parties, and alcohol-fuelled celebrations are perceived as the norm. Traditional festivities in India were never centred around intoxication; they were about community bonding, spirituality, and shared joy.
Moreover, as people adopt Western habits, they increasingly forget the roots and deeper significance of the traditions. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, or Bihu are not merely reasons to party but are steeped in age-old customs and stories that teach lessons of good over evil, unity, gratitude, and spiritual reflection. With loud parties replacing cultural rituals, younger generations are growing up disconnected from their heritage. Instead of learning the values and symbolism behind lighting a diya or singing traditional songs, many are more familiar with nightclub scenes.
In earlier times, families would visit their ancestral villages at least once a year to reconnect and celebrate the festivals wholeheartedly. Today, limited holidays and changing lifestyles make it a bit difficult.
This cultural shift is also reflected in the way festive preparations have changed. However, everything has pros and cons of its own. For example, during Magh Bihu, markets are now flooded with ready-made ‘laaru’ and ‘pitha,’ which were once exclusively prepared at home. While this shift has benefited self-help groups and small businesses, it has also distanced families from the hands-on traditions that defined these festivals.
This disconnection is visible in urban celebrations, where community gatherings are slowly giving way to exclusive private parties. The simple joy of sharing festive meals with neighbours, engaging in community service, and observing customs is being lost. Instead, consumerism and flamboyance take centre stage.
Authorities must play their part by not only enforcing laws and SOPs but also promoting cultural awareness. Schools and community centres can help revive traditional knowledge by organising cultural programmes, storytelling sessions, and workshops that educate the younger generation about the roots of festivals.
Parents and elders, too, must lead by example. If children see their families valuing traditions, participating in rituals, and celebrating with mindfulness rather than excess, they will carry forward these values. There is nothing wrong with enjoying oneself, but it must not come at the cost of disrespecting the sanctity of festivals or endangering others.
In conclusion, the Westernisation of festivals has undoubtedly created a sense of glamour and excitement, but it has also led to social challenges that cannot be ignored. The growing instances of drunken behaviour, road accidents, and altercations are a reflection of society’s loss of control over festive conduct. More importantly, we are losing our connection with the roots of these celebrations—their traditions, teachings, and the communal spirit that once defined them.
The question we must ask ourselves is simple yet profound: are we celebrating festivals, or are we just finding excuses for reckless indulgence? It is time for society to pause, reflect, and consciously choose traditions over trends, culture over chaos, and meaning over materialistic thrills. Only then can we ensure that the festivals we pass on to the next generation will be cherished for their true essence and not remembered for the havoc they caused.
(All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
