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Matsuri Majime

 Martin Seligman noticed that much present-day psychology concerned diseases and their redressal. This prompted him to look at wellness and mindfulness as a psychological study, ushering in a new age of positive psychology. In the later years, even corporates noticed that employees' mental health was much more closely related to their productivity than many other factors, including competence. This begs a profound question about the importance of positive social reinforcement in its role towards a developing society. 

India celebrates multiple public holidays compared to most other places, which relish a vacation during Easter and Christmas break. However, Indian holidays are mostly a day or two, but much more frequent. To look at the positives, these are primarily social celebrations, so instead of a day off from work, it is dedicated to family, friends and community. A rejuvenated mind works much better. Secondly, it is essential to note that the holiday season, as it is called in the states and Europe, attracts much larger spending from the well-off in availing services from the communities. This allows money to reach the market of small and seasonal goods, condiments, savouries or gifts. In India, this being more frequent enables the market to have a more continuous flow of cash and support. 

However, the concern regarding the excesses of these festivities is to be taken with its due merit, as seen in many government and bureaucratic establishments; the festival fervour seems to kick in much before the event and lingers too much too often. This also makes up for discontinuities in the work calendar, often derailing a person from his continued work. However, it is hard to say if a day off is a relevant deterrent to good performance. If this argument was to be put into practice, the idea of even giving statutory holidays would have to be questioned.

However, given the established importance of positive psychology and emotional well-being, I strongly favour social celebrations, which help rejuvenate and bond people. Using festivals as an excuse to work is a sign of bigger malice, which should be carefully assessed.

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