Celebrate Indian Holidays as an Expat: Best Ways to Feel Close to Home
Celebrate Indian Holidays as an Expat: Best Ways to Feel Close to Home
Being away from home can be a challenge for anyone, especially when the cultural difference is too significant. This problem can be understood by Indian expats, especially when the holiday season is around the corner.
If you miss home when holidays are around, you are not the only one. However, it does not mean that you must be home in order to celebrate all of your holidays. As an expat, you can enjoy the essence of the Indian holidays even when you are away from home.
If you don’t know how, here are some of the best ways to feel close to home during the holidays.
1. Remember Important Events
Make sure that you always keep the calendars marked to be aware of the upcoming holidays. From Holi to Diwali, the closer they get, the more prepared you should become to celebrate these holidays fully. Being mentally prepared also lets you save for
Make sure you always have supplies to decorate your home and share your culture with others. You can ask your friends and colleagues to come over after arranging something unforgettable like a potluck or watching a movie that takes you back home.
2. Cook Traditional Food
Nothing makes you feel at home like the aroma of food from your homeland. While you may not have someone close to cook Indian food for you, there is no reason for you to hold back from trying some traditional Indian recipes by yourself.
If you know any other Indian expats who miss home just like you, make sure to invite them over for a potluck. Being around people with the same roots as you can make you feel closer to home and make your celebrations special.
3. Send Money Home
Traditions such as Diwali and Holi are great times for you to get in touch with your loved ones and let them know how much you love them. Do not only send the wishes but also look for the best ways for money transfer to India.
Sending money home lets your loved ones know that you care about them. It is a way for you to show them that they are always in your thoughts and that you miss them dearly. It can bring you closer to your heart till you meet them in real life.
4. Join Indian Communities
Wherever you are, you will always meet people with the same roots as you. Just like you, they must also be missing home and their loved ones. Being with people who understand your pain can be the biggest support anyone needs.
If you look for it, you may be able to find cultural events and community gatherings arranged by other Indian expats to feel closer to their roots.
The celebrations arranged by these communities can make you forget about the distance between you and your homeland for a while. You will find traditional food, performances, and setups that will make you forget about the distance from your home.
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