Western formals - my foot!

Somehow I can never come to terms in equating the western formals as being the formal dress worldover! Blame it on imperialism or our general affinity to anything western, the western formals also caught up thus! I feel like a total clown with the blazers, tie et al. I never understand the purpose behind wearing a tie - I mean, what purpose does it serve? Its insane having a piece of cloth dangling around your neck for no reason and the pains one has to undergo to get the perfect "samosa" knot! And for the kind of tropical weather most of our Indian states experience, it makes us all the more foolish to adhere to such a dress code in the name of formality! I think its more important to be dressed nealty and dressed for the occasion. Also its vital one is able to appreciate and accept one's own region's dressing and that of others too which is also reflection of a culture and heritage the dress may hold! Any takers?