Are We Partying Ourselves to the Grave? A Rethink on the Way We Celebrate

  •   Fri, May 30 2025
  •   By Delilah Jessica D'Souza

May 30, 2025

You step out of the party — makeup melted, shirt damp, ears ringing, chest tight — and still call it a night well spent. The lights were blinding, the bass shook the floor, and the DJ played non-stop for hours. But was that celebration, or self-destruction in disguise?

From weddings to sangeets, from birthdays to engagements and roces, parties today have turned into full-blown audio-visual marathons. It’s no longer about celebrating milestones — it’s about loud music, powerful lighting, non-stop dancing, and aesthetic Instagram reels. But this obsession with going “all out” is silently taking a toll on our health and well-being.

When Sound Becomes a Weapon

At most events today, DJ setups are thunderous. Bass-heavy music vibrates through walls and bodies alike. While some may call it “fun,” our nervous systems register it as stress. For the elderly and infants, it’s far worse. The high-frequency sounds, overwhelming volume, and constant thumping can cause headaches, nausea, anxiety — even increased heart rate or seizures for the vulnerable.

It’s not rare to see toddlers being held right in front of huge speakers — not because it’s safe, but because the moment “looks good” on camera. Entire venues are surrounded by heavy sound equipment, without pausing to think about who it’s affecting and how.

Dazzling or Dangerous?

Then come the laser lights and strobe effects — dazzling, yes, but disorienting too. Many elderly guests step out midway or avoid such events altogether. Children become overstimulated, cranky, or sometimes unwell. People with sensory issues, migraines, or epilepsy face genuine medical risks. But the lights stay on — because they “set the vibe.”

What was once about togetherness has become a sensory overload. Aesthetics are prioritized over comfort. Reels over reality.

Exhaustion Disguised as Entertainment

It’s also about how long guests are expected to stand, dance, and smile — often without food or water for hours. Add in alcohol, soda, cold starters, no proper meals, and barely any rest — it becomes a recipe for dehydration and collapse. For many, dancing in these conditions turns from fun to fatigue. Yet they push through — because that’s what the event “demands.”

In recent months, several hospital cases have emerged involving people collapsing after weddings and other functions due to exhaustion, low blood pressure, or chest discomfort — all easily preventable if the event’s pace and environment were healthier.

The Silent Suffering Behind the Glare

Most won’t say it out loud, but many people dread these segments of an event. Older guests leave early. Children are restless. Some attend just for the food. Others bear it to keep up appearances. Meanwhile, the photos on social media tell a very different story — one that hides the discomfort, noise, and chaos many endure quietly.

Celebration or Performance?

Today, it’s not uncommon for families to go overboard just to match social media standards. In doing so, they unintentionally sacrifice the true essence of celebration: comfort, bonding, and memory-making. Loud music drowns conversation. Bright lights overshadow emotion. Dance becomes obligation.

We need to pause and ask: Have we replaced joy with performance?

Reimagining the Way We Celebrate

Imagine a wedding where soft music plays in the background, allowing people to talk, laugh, and enjoy. A birthday party with clean, bright décor, soft lighting, and healthy meals. A roce with just the right blend of tradition, energy, and comfort. It’s not about being boring — it’s about being better.

Celebrations should uplift — not exhaust. Lights should enhance — not blind. Music should bring people together — not drive them away.

Final Thoughts

The next time you attend or organize an event, think: Who is this really for? Are we partying — or performing? When the music fades and the lights go out, will people leave with memories — or migraines?

Celebration should be a joy, not a recovery.

 

 

 
By Delilah Jessica D'Souza
Delilah Jessica D'Souza is currently pursuing her 3rd year BA in journalism and psychology at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. She thrives on creating narratives, creative expression, and stories that leave a mark.
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Comment on this article

  • fd, chg

    Sat, May 31 2025

    Yes agree that it should be a joy . Simple celebrations done in a unique manner suiting their budgets and circumstances is the best . Many a times we tend to compete with others to try and make ours better or best so just keep it simple and nice ..for ex instead of 50 dishes have a few good ones

  • Rohan, Mangalore

    Fri, May 30 2025

    I really fail to understand why people celebrate and what's they have to celebrate life goes on everything is part of journey , people are funny indded

  • HENRY MISQUITH, India

    Fri, May 30 2025

    **"Celebration was necessary in life, is necessary, and will continue to be necessary in the future. But even without loud music and noise, a party or celebration can still be enjoyable. If the younger generation considers the needs of older people, functions and celebrations will feel even better. Is unnecessary loud music and flashing lights truly essential? Can celebrations not happen without them? Those who understand this are wise."**


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