In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?
In the contemporary world, traditional celebrations and social rituals are disappearing fast in numerous parts of the world, stipulating assessing the damage this engendering and along with remedial measures.
The identity of individuals is often shaped based on the traditions that they follow as they embark on their journey towards their goals. Ignorance of such practices, is leading to a detachment between generations and breaking family bonds, imperative to experience and enjoy existence in this world. In particular, a few celebrations are observed to preserve natural resources such as mountains, rivers and wildlife. Discontinuing these rituals is promoting a more self-focused lonely life rather than preserving the flora and fauna.
To continue with, indigenous festivals are one of ways to partake in the family discussion; and seek counsel from ancestral knowledge, some practices sinking into oblivion and exposing next generations to a life bereft of native ethics and ethos. Moreover, discontinuation of these occasions is affecting the local economies that depended on such festivities; a lot of merchandise was specially produced to mark such events, and many used to earn their livelihood from such commerce, but now, they are left high and dry since they lack other skills.
To surmount this issue, parents and society should bear the equal responsibility to help recover ancient practices and rituals. Imparting the significance of each occasion to the younger generation will ensure the continuity of family and social practices. Local community leaders must ensure that community festivals are planned to accommodate generations across decades, and handover the responsibility of carrying out certain activities to the upcoming generation.
Overall, individual awareness and responsibility plays a vital role in respecting cultural values to ensure the permanence of native festival celebrations and this can bring people back to their native occasions.
