Dussehra Celebrations Evolve: From Tradition to Modernity
Summary
Dussehra celebrations in Terai-Madhesh are shifting from traditional rituals and community practices toward fairs, entertainment, and market-driven consumption. Cultural expert Dhirendra Premarshi says festivals are not disappearing, but their original meaning, social harmony, and local character are fading.
Key Points
- Dussehra celebrations in Terai-Madhesh are becoming more centered on fairs, entertainment, and consumerism than on traditional customs.
- Cultural expert Dhirendra Premarshi recalls how village festivals once involved local rituals, plays, community gathering, and agricultural self-reliance.
- He says modernization, markets, and digital culture have replaced many traditional festival practices, from folk songs to handmade decorations and locally sourced offerings.
- Premarshi argues that festivals will continue, but preserving their original intimacy, mutual dependence, and social harmony is the main challenge.
