Indian culture is full of festive vibes. We have festivals all around the year. Festivals are an automatic extension of happiness, celebration, and creating memories. We may not realize its value when we are in India as they are part of our lifestyle. We often take them for granted. But when we step outside India, we miss those moments the most. We miss that fun, laughter, family getting together and, departing with a hope to meet soon.

 

Those who come to the USA, soon realize that here the way of celebrating festivals is different. It’s not the same as India. Mostly everything is done over the weekends. You can take an off if you want to stay with your family, but there won’t be any holiday at school, so people end up going to work which leaves us with weekends. You won’t feel that festival spirit in the air automatically. The only place and time when you can feel that it is festival time are when you go to the temple or either you host a party, or your friends host one. It’s a one-day affair. Outside there will be no signs of the festivities.

 

I often get this question from many that don’t I miss India? Why wouldn’t I? Not just during the festival time, but on many occasions, we do miss India. On kid’s birthdays, on any auspicious occasions when we want our elder’s presence, yes, we miss India. It’s not easy to accept the fact that we will not be able to enjoy the company of our parents and near and dear ones on these special days. But with time, we get used to it. We find ways to adjust. We learn to convince ourselves.

 

How can we fill those gaps then? We can bring the festive vibes into our homes by following the rituals associated with these festivals and celebrating it with great enthusiasm and preparing food that is special for that particular day. After living here for a reasonable amount of time now, I can suggest one thing to all the new comers for sure. Don’t think that who is going to eat all this? We are controlling sugar intake. If your health doesn’t permit, then that’s okay, but just because you think that if you prepare it, then you will end up consuming extra calories..don’t you think this is a little too much? But apart from this, the way they celebrate festivals in the temple, the decoration is commendable. Believe me; there are many things that I have experienced after coming here. Maybe because here I have seen people taking extra efforts in bringing India and its rich culture into their lives at least for one day. As I said, over a period of time, we have accepted this way of celebration. We have learned to redefine happiness.

 

Festivals are a time to get yourself soaked into the beauty of your roots. It’s time to strengthen the roots. It’s the time not just for you to re-live your days back home but also for your kids to learn about their culture. If you are among those who are living outside India, I would love to know your views on this.  

 

This post is apart of #BlogchatterA2Z. My theme is “Dollar Nation- Are you ready to experience the west through my eyes?”

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