Social media eats up traditional Joy of Dashain festivity

Once upon a time, festivals were an integral part of village life. The word ‘festival’ instantly evoked thoughts of the village. Whenever a festival was mentioned, we thought of the village. A month before the festival arrived, villagers would begin preparing for the celebrations. Dashain and Tihar were particularly special. They would gather materials like ‘Kamero’ and ‘Rato Mato’ to paint their homes. These preparations filled every moment with joy as they anticipated the upcoming festivals.

Young people would return home carrying tape recorders, and the music would fill the village atmosphere with festive energy. Children were most excited about the school vacations during the festival season. They would gather at places like ‘Pauwa,’ ‘Parti,’ or ‘Chautara,’ playing traditional games like ‘Guchha’ and ‘Gatta.’

During Dashain, most families would give their children new clothes, and the excitement of wearing new clothes and enjoying delicious food made the children even happier. In the village, all tasks were done collectively. The tradition of ‘Arma-Parma’ (a form of mutual cooperation and barter) fostered a sense of togetherness in rural areas. From dawn until midnight, villagers would work together, and during festivals, this spirit of collectivism only grew stronger. Many tasks that were too difficult to accomplish individually became simple and easy through collective effort. This sense of unity was the beauty of village life.

However, times have changed, and with them, the joy of festivals has diminished. Capitalism has reshaped our traditional social structure, including our norms, values, festivals, and their meanings. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that capitalism has influenced how we experience happiness and live our everyday lives.

Families are now divided into nuclear units, and the sense and act of togetherness have become things of the past. Globalization and modernization have further altered our culture, traditions, and the history of human civilization. Children no longer find joy in traditional games; they are more immersed in technology and prefer playing online games like FreeFire or watching cartoons.

The younger generation is more engaged with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Reels, rather than spending time with family, friends, and relatives. Recently, a song went viral on social media: ‘K hunchha k hunchha, Lek ma baschhu kohi aaudainan man runchha…’ these words from HBN Kismat’s song reflect the current reality of village life.

Today, many young people from villages work abroad, while others live in urban areas for education or employment. Only a fraction of this population returns to the village to celebrate festivals. Those who are easily found on social media are hard to find in the village. Searching for them is like searching for the rare Kasturi deer.

In other words, the younger generation is more engaged with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Reels, rather than spending time with family, friends, and relatives. Recently, a song went viral on social media: ‘K hunchha k hunchha, Lek ma baschhu kohi aaudainan man runchha…’ these words from HBN Kismat’s song reflect the current reality of village life. The rapid increase in labor migration and student migration, whether short or long-term, has left villages empty and quiet. Women and the elderly are left to face life’s challenges, such as death, disasters and other hardships. This is the harsh reality of rural society.

Traditional homes are being abandoned and farmlands are left unused. Dhara, Padhera, and Chautara-once bustling community spots-are now as desolate as the villagers waiting for their loved ones to return. Today, we are globally connected, but distanced from our roots. Sharing our lives on social media, where our families, friends, and relatives can see us.

However, in this global village, we have forgotten our traditional systems, meanings, values and culture. This will have a huge social cost and increase more in future. The middle generation has a crucial responsibility to bridge the gap between the old and new generations. By reducing this gap the younger generation can become stronger, more knowledgeable and empowered.

This connection will help preserve the traditions of village life and reduce labor migration, as young people will become more involved in productive activities in their communities. Ultimately, our society will become more beautiful, peaceful and comfortable for all generations. We can go global but we can do that preserving our rich heritage and traditions.