“Festivals are not only about rituals and celebrations; they can also become moments to understand the values behind them.”
In an age where festivals can sometimes become associated with shopping, consumption and elaborate celebrations, an important question emerges: Are we losing sight of the meaning behind our traditions?
In this episode of The Undiscussed Podcast, Ganeshacharya Shri Kailash Nagar Ji Maharaj shares his perspective on Dharma, Kalyug and the traditions surrounding festivals such as Deepawali and Dhanteras, while exploring how spirituality can be understood in contemporary life.
One of the central discussions revolves around Deepawali and Lakshmi Poojan. Beyond the rituals themselves, the conversation explores the significance devotees attach to worshipping Lakshmi and the importance of understanding the purpose and meaning behind the practices rather than treating them as merely ceremonial activities.
The episode also questions the growing influence of consumerism around festivals. When markets, discounts, purchases and celebrations dominate the festival experience, does the spiritual dimension get overlooked? The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on whether celebration and devotion can coexist without one overshadowing the other.
Another interesting aspect is the discussion around Daan and temple practices. Giving, according to the guest’s spiritual perspective, is connected with the broader idea of contribution and devotion. At the same time, questions surrounding donations, temple economics and the growing VIP culture around darshan raise broader conversations about how religious spaces are evolving.
The episode also looks at the idea of spiritual tourism and the increasing economic activity surrounding temples and pilgrimage destinations. As religious places attract growing numbers of visitors, spirituality, tourism, infrastructure and commerce can increasingly intersect.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of the conversation is the question: What does Dharma mean in Kalyug?
Rather than viewing Dharma only through rituals, the discussion invites reflection on values, conduct, responsibility and the way individuals choose to live their lives.
The conversation returns to festivals through Dhanteras, offering a perspective that goes beyond material wealth and connects the occasion with health and wellbeing.
Ultimately, this episode is less about prescribing one way of practicing faith and more about opening a conversation around why we celebrate, why we worship and what our traditions mean to us today.
Because sometimes, understanding a festival begins not with asking what should I do?—but with asking why do we do it?
Listen To The Full Episode
Watch the complete conversation of The Undiscussed featuring Ganeshacharya Shri Kailash Nagar Ji Maharaj and explore deeper perspectives on Dharma, Kalyug, Deepawali, Lakshmi Poojan, Dhanteras, temple donations, VIP darshan culture, spiritual tourism and the meaning behind traditional practices.
Because every story has an Undiscussed side.