As the curtains drew to a close on the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Shillong Literary Festival, one cannot help but wonder if these events have strayed from their original purpose. The festivals, touted as celebrations of culture and literature, have instead become platforms for the blatant display of Western influence and moral decadence.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, inspired by Japan’s iconic Sakura blooms, was meant to promote cultural exchange and appreciation. However, the event quickly devolved into a spectacle of revelry, with attendees, particularly females, dressing in attire that left little to the imagination. The free flow of wine and the general atmosphere of merriment seemed to take center stage, eclipsing the festival’s original intent.
Similarly, the Shillong Literary Festival, which aimed to promote a love for literature and learning, was marred by the conspicuous absence of attendees at the main events. Instead, visitors flocked to the food stalls and wine counters, indulging in culinary delights and spirits. The festival’s focus on literature seemed to take a backseat, as the event morphed into a social gathering.
But the most disturbing aspect of these festivals is the blatant disregard for our indigenous culture and values. Are we promoting our rich cultural heritage, or are we merely imitating Western norms? The answer, unfortunately, seems to be the latter.
The fact that counters selling alcoholic beverages were open till dawn, and drunk revelers were seen lying at the venue, raises serious questions about the intentions of the festival organizers. The tragic loss of two precious lives at the Cherry Blossom Festival is a stark reminder of the consequences of such reckless behavior.
We need to be clear about our intentions. Are we promoting our indigenous culture, or are we merely using these festivals as an excuse for indulgence and revelry? It’s time for us to take a step back and reevaluate our priorities.
Let us strive to create events that truly celebrate our culture, literature, and values, rather than merely imitating Western norms. Let us promote our rich cultural heritage and let us do so with dignity and respect.
It is essential for the organizers to match the government ‘s enthusiasm and support with effective planning and execution to ensure that such events truly showcase the state ‘s potential.
