Diwali 2023: The Social Pressure Of Happiness During Diwali

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Whenever there’s a celebration, any festivities or just an air of merriment, everyone around is expected to be happy and indulging in the festivities. So, when it’s time for Diwali, the sight of all the colourful decorations, mouthwatering sweets, and dishes, and bright diyas fills the air with excitement. But, in the midst of all the festive spirit, there’s a certain social pressure where everyone is expected to be happy and merry during the festivities. And, if someone is not too joyful, they are considered the ‘Christmas grinch’ and are made to feel awful about it. So, in order to avoid being labelled as the odd one out, people often put on a happy facade of happiness.

Diwali is commonly referred to as the “Festival of Happiness.” Society presents a romanticized image of Diwali, in which everyone is supposed to be happy, surrounded by loved ones, and take part in extravagant celebrations. Many people experience the pressure to show off their happiness during Diwali because they worry about being judged by friends, family, and the wider community. So, putting up a facade of being very happy and excited seems more suitable to them instead of owning and showing their true feelings. Another aspect of social influence arises when people frequently use Diwali as a point of comparison, comparing their celebrations and joys to those of others, making it a point to show how much happier they are than others.

Dr Chandni Tugnait is M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director, Gateway of Healing shares ways to cope with this social pressure: 

1. Keep it real Resist the social pressure by being honest with yourself and accept your own emotions. On Diwali, it’s quite natural and okay to experience a wide range of emotions. If that’s how you’re feeling, just be a little melancholy.
2. Keep your expectations reasonable Instead of aiming for that large party to show off, set reasonable goals for yourself and your Diwali celebrations. Understand that it is acceptable to not meet every social expectation and instead do what is appropriate for you and your loved ones.
3. Open communication Whenever you are doing something, especially when it also involves other people, make sure that you are communicating openly and honestly about how you feel about things and what your expectations are. You do not have to go with how others want things to be. Authenticity in the celebration is much more important than showing off to keep up with your peer’s expectations.
4. Self-care The most important aspect of any celebration, or life in general, is our own self-care. Always ensure that you are taking of yourself. Do not tire yourself to the point that you are not even able to enjoy all that you create and organize. Take breaks when you feel exhausted, engage in your hobbies and in some relaxing activities because the festive season is about being a little carefree and being liberated from the routine burdens.

So, this Diwali, do your best to celebrate, enjoy and have the time of your life. Be on the lookout for those thoughts of undue expectations that you may have and follow what feels light to you in order to have a splendid and amazing festive season.