Festivals have always played an important role in social and cultural life. They give people a break from routine and bring families and communities together. Celebrations often include sharing food, meeting relatives, and enjoying traditions passed down through generations.
In many societies, festivals are also about strengthening relationships and creating a sense of belonging. These occasions allow families and friends to reconnect. Cultural rituals, food and gatherings help preserve traditions that hold emotional value for communities.
However, many people now feel that the nature of festival celebrations is slowly changing. Social media user Shubham Sakhuja recently shared a post raising concerns about this shift. According to the post, festivals such as Holi, Diwali and New Year are increasingly turning into alcohol focused parties.
The post suggests that loud music, club style gatherings and nightlife are becoming central to these celebrations. In many places, strangers dance together at large parties where drinking becomes the main attraction. Because of this trend, different festivals sometimes appear similar in style.
Traditionally, festivals carried a very different atmosphere. Celebrations often meant spending time with family members and visiting relatives. People shared home cooked meals, exchanged sweets and enjoyed simple activities like playing with colours during Holi.
Such moments helped strengthen emotional bonds within families and communities. These gatherings created memories connected to culture and tradition. The focus was more on togetherness than on large parties or nightlife.
At the same time, cultural practices naturally evolve as lifestyles change. Urban influences and modern entertainment have introduced new ways of celebrating festivals. Many young people now prefer parties, social gatherings and nightlife as part of their celebrations.
The discussion raised online is not about restricting enjoyment. Instead, it questions whether alcohol and club culture should define festivals that historically centred around family, togetherness and shared traditions.
I don’t know if anyone else feels the same or if it’s just me, but I notice that most of our festivals have gradually turned into alcohol-fuelled parties with loud music and strangers dancing. Holi, Diwali, and New Year now all seem the same. Drink endlessly and call it a…
— Shubham Sakhuja (@ishubhamsakhuja) March 5, 2026
