It is often argued that both governments and individuals spend an excessive amount of money on national celebrations, such as New Year and other cultural festivals. Personally, I partly agree with this viewpoint as such spending has both positive and negative impacts. I will discuss my reasons in the following paragraphs.
One reason to agree is that the excessive spending on national celebrations could be directed toward more urgent societal needs. This is because many countries face critical challenges such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, and underfunded education systems. For example, in some nations, governments allocate millions of dollars to extravagant firework displays or decorative events for New Year, while large portions of their populations lack access to proper medical facilities or basic education. Such mismanagement of resources can exacerbate social inequality, leaving essential sectors underfunded. As a result, redirecting these funds to address issues like building hospitals or improving schools could create long-term benefits for society.
However, spending on national celebrations has significant cultural, social, and economic benefits that cannot be overlooked. Celebrations play an important role in uniting people and preserving traditions. For instance, grand events like Lunar New Year in China or Diwali in India bring families and communities together, promoting cultural pride and social harmony. Moreover, such celebrations often drive economic growth by creating jobs in tourism, entertainment, and retail sectors.This economic activity not only benefits individuals but also supports national growth.
In conclusion, while it is true that excessive spending on national celebrations may detract from addressing more urgent societal issues, it is equally important to recognize the cultural and economic benefits these events bring. A balanced approach, where spending is carefully planned and justified, can ensure that both societal needs and cultural traditions are preserved
