Indian Festivals And My Family

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Practicing our cultural traditions is a 'Must' especially when we up bring children in other countries outside India. Traditions practiced, preserved and imparted through our ancient values. Younger generations should be made aware of their culture and heritage. My husband Ravishankar and I strongly believe in our roots and the values that have transcended through the generations.

Celebrating holidays is one way of practicing our traditions. It is not easy as said to religiously follow them when you live in a foreign country. First of all there are no holidays given to celebrate them, one has to create their own free time, secondly the holiday mood is only inside the home and not out in the society, so it requires stronger mindset to create that feel. Little or no resource, demanding lifestyle, no help what so ever all come in the way. Many a times celebrations had to wait till the weekend to accommodate everyone. Against all the odds when one makes it happen it is a great feeling.

My husband Ravi, my daughters Sindhu, Seema and myself are living in USA over 18 years. We try to celebrate all the holidays, Indian and American to balance both sides of lifestyle. Among the Indian holidays, Sankranti, Ganesha Gowri, Navratri and Deepawali are our favorite ones.

During Navratri as a family tradition we set up the dolls and invite friends to see them. We invite both Indian and non Indian friends, groups and students. We have made many friends this way. Setting up the doll display together as a family gives us an opportunity to spend one on one time with each other, given us a chance to show our skills and most of all fun time together. Every year we come up with a theme. Last year we set up dolls to show Krishana Leela. Year before was Festivals of India.

Krishnaleela theme won second place in the doll display contest here for Indians living in the USA. Pictures of Pattadagombe came in the local newspaper too. Reaching out to the community at large and spreading our culture is important too.

This year's theme is Ramayan. Ramayana has a simple story line but it imparts profound values through its characters. Values of Duty, Respect, Love, Sharing, Humility, Friendship, Truth and Bravery are put across while giving the glimpses of the ideal human being. We tried our best to showcase these values in our display. This past weekend we had over 300 people visit our house. My husband, my daughters, my sister Sunitha, my mother in law Susheelamma, my dad Nagaraj and my friend Sudha always contribute their time and talent with the Navaratri display. I could not have accomplished much without their help.