Falgun:Misinterpretation of love and culture

Falgun is a uniquely Bengali festival, heralding the arrival of spring. At the same time, Valentine's Day has become widely celebrated in contemporary times. The blending of these two occasions is giving rise to a new cultural phenomenon, where Bengali heritage and foreign influences are merging in a way that threatens our individuality.

Falgun symbolises the unity of humans with nature, the celebration of colours, and dressing up in traditional Pahela Falgun attire. However, in recent years, this festival has evolved beyond its original purpose and has been infused with elements of Western romanticism. Young people now celebrate Falgun and Valentine's Day together, raising questions about the preservation of our native culture.

There is no harm in embracing aspects of foreign cultures, but when they overshadow or conflict with our own traditions, it becomes a matter of concern. For instance, the Bengali way of celebrating Falgun is gradually fading, while public displays of affection and Western-style Valentine's Day celebrations are becoming the new norm. Yet, expressions of love in Bengali culture have always been elegant, modest, and deeply personal. Such cultural shifts could erode our social values.

With the widespread influence of social media, the younger generation is increasingly drawn to Western culture. Many believe that cultural modernisation means imitating the West. However, true modernity does not require abandoning one's own roots-it is about evolving while preserving one's traditions.

To prevent this misinterpretation and cultural fusion, strong family and institutional education is essential. The celebration of Falgun should remain deeply connected to our heritage, and expressions of love should reflect our cultural values with dignity. Our goal should be to uphold our traditions with pride, without distorting them. Only then can we be truly modern-without losing our uniqueness.

Atia Ibnat Rifah

Student

Department of International Relations

University of Rajshahi