Diwali Celebration by Nris

Monday, November 6, 2023

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world. It holds a special place in the hearts of all Indians including the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who live thousands of miles away from their home but make sure to keep their traditions alive by celebrating Diwali with happiness and love.

NRIs have taken their rich culture and traditions with them, and Diwali acts as a way to reconnect with their culture. It allows NRIs to come together as a community and celebrate the festival as one big family.One great aspect of Diwali celebrations by NRIs is the deep sense of nostalgia it evokes. Being away from India, NRIs often miss the festivities and celebrations taken place during Diwali. Thus, they try to recreate the same festive spirit in their new homes. They decorate their houses with lights and diyas and also create beautiful Rangolis. NRIs spare no effort in making their surroundings similar to their homeland.

Another part of Diwali celebrations by NRIs is the exchange of gifts and sweets. Traditional Indian sweets like ladoos, barfis, and jalebis are prepared at home or bought from Indian stores to be shared with family, friends, and neighbors. NRIs also make an effort to send Diwali gifts to their loved ones in India, ensuring that they spread their festive across borders.

NRIs also actively participate in various cultural events and gatherings organized during Diwali. They eagerly attend community events, where they take part in traditional dances, music, and performances. These events create a sense of belonging among NRIs, as they get to celebrate Diwali gathered with fellow Indians who share their love for their culture. One impressive feature of Diwali celebrations by NRIs is their interaction with the local communities. They invite their friends and neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds to join in the festivities, introducing them to the joyful spirit of Diwali. This encourages cultural exchange and understanding among diverse communities.

One of the most iconic aspects of Diwali celebrations is the bursting of fireworks. While this tradition is debated due to environmental concerns, NRIs find different ways to celebrate it without causing harm to the environment and yet enjoy it to the most.

Although NRIs are often away from their family and thus are not able to celebrate together with them, they still find ways to gather and take part in various events and have the utmost fun during Diwali, which makes it even more special for them.

Bhama Sameer,Class-9,New Indian School, Mangaf