I find the whole discussion to be a little pointless. Of course there are innumerable number of festivals in Hindu calendar, but not all the hundreds of festivals are celebrated in each part of the country with equal importance. Ganesh Chaturthi is not celebrated at all amongst Bengali Hindu, and Diwali is not celebrated amongst Malayali Hindus, despite the fact that these festivals are very crucial in other parts of India. That is why each state chooses only a few major holidays for state holidays.
Regarding 'importing' cultures from other places, first of all there is no 'pure' culture, and all of us share ideas and cultures which have multiple origins. Events like International Peace Day or Labour Day are not of Indian origin, but they bear important humanitarian message and hence if people from different countries want to commemorate them, they should have the freedom to do that. Mother's day, Father's Day etc. did have their origins in particular historical events, but unfortunately they are coopted by commercial purposes like card companies which I deplore. But if anyone wants to wish someone a Mother's day it's upto them, and not that it would require a discussion whether it should be allowed or not. Earlier in this discussion thread someone mentioned that other countries do not have culture. I find that being disrespectful. It is one thing to be proud of one's own culture, but we don't have to denigrate other countries to feel good. Americans are not all about Mother's Day, Valentine's Day etc. but about Thanksgiving, Hannukkah and 4th of July. So do other European countries have their own traditions. Of course Indian festivals have more antiquity, but cultures are fluid too. So the main concern should be whether the celebration of any festival is hindering the well being for people or not. Like is the pollution from Diwali patakas worsening health conditions (like my friends suffering from asthma) or whether celebrating Valentine's Day means a free run to Eve teasing (as I have witnessed in Delhi). Other than that people should have the right to celebrate what they want. Best, Tapoja.
