Today, America has a population of people from all around the world, and my family is from India. Even though I was raised and brought up in America, I am also Indian because of my parents. I try to visit India frequently, so that my cultural aspect doesn’t fade away. Because of that, I have embraced my culture’s lifestyle like food, clothing, traditions and languages.
Indian cultural meals may vary from sweet courses like ladoo that are sweetened round balls, all the way to sweet and spicy crackers filled with potato (Pani puri). Starting off a bright and early morning, we usually have Khakhra (thin crackers) and a nice hot cup of chai. As lunch and dinner rolls around, we usually eat Chana masala along with a wheat tortilla and hot rice. Sometimes on special occasions, we have Samosas, Vada Pav, and Manchurian. On my birthday, my mother crafted a culinary masterpiece called Manchurian, investing days in the intricate process of washing, soaking, and frying an array of vegetables. The aroma that filled our home as she prepared this dish was savory, and my anticipation grew with every passing moment. When the moment finally arrived and I took my first bite, the explosion of flavors was nothing short of magical. The sweet and savory sauce coated each vegetable, creating a taste that was not just delicious but deeply comforting. I felt an overwhelming surge of happiness and gratitude, knowing that my mother had poured her love and effort into making my day truly special
In India, people speak many different languages depending on where they live. My family speaks Gujarati, since they were born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat . It is one of the twenty-two official languages of India and many Gujarati people speak it. It is descended from Sanskrit and it has been influenced by Persian, Arabic, and English. The Gujarati script is derived from Devanagari. Learning Gujarati for me was a big adjustment, since I had learned English first. In the end, I’m now speaking both languages fluently. Here are some common phrases that we use:
Kem cho?
/ how are you?
Tamārũ nām śũ che?
/ What is your name?
Ketla vaagyaa che?
/ What time is it?
The style of clothing in India is much different than in America. I wear Indian clothes for special occasions like navratri. Indian clothing has bursts of colors and is crafted from diverse materials like soft cotton and luxurious silk. Every sari and dress is made by hand, highlighting the artistry and tradition behind them. Saris, specifically, are an essential and beautiful part of Indian women's attire. It consists of a long piece of thin material that is wrapped around the body. From the graceful sarees worn by women to the elegant kurta adorned by men, Indian attire showcases a beautiful blend of colors, fabrics, and embroidery techniques, making a striking statement in the world of fashion.
There are a wide range of occasions we celebrate like Diwali, Holi ,and Navratri. These are special celebrations that my family celebrates routinely. Diwali is known as the festival of lights in which homes are decorated with Diyas. This holiday is praised with love, sharing desserts, firecrackers and lights. Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil. Holi is a festival of color that is celebrated in spring, and it celebrates the destruction of evil in the holy fire. As children, run around throwing colors care-free at each other to enjoy the start of spring. Lastly, Navratri is a festival dedicated to the Divine Feminine power of Goddess Durga and her nine forms to embrace her strength. This festival lasts for nine days and nights, during which various forms of the Goddess Durga are worshiped. Navratri holds a special place in my heart being my favorite holiday, because the celebration holds a boundless joy and meaning. The vibrant atmosphere during this time is joyful, and rhythmic beats of the music and the colorful swirl of dresses as we dance create an atmosphere of pure bliss.