Creating a Home Away from Home

Tips for Indian Expats to Stay Connected to Their Roots

For Indian expats living abroad, staying connected to home is a way to preserve cultural identity, keep traditions alive, and find comfort in the familiar. Creating a “home away from home” can make adapting to a new country easier, bringing joy, belonging, and a sense of community. Here are some practical tips to help Indian expats maintain their cultural ties while embracing their new surroundings.

1. Celebrate Indian Festivals and Traditions

Festivals hold special significance for Indians, offering a chance to come together, share joy, and honor traditions. Celebrating Diwali, Holi, Eid, Navratri, or even regional festivals like Onam or Pongal in a foreign country can make you feel closer to home.

• Tip: Decorate your home with traditional lights, diyas, or rangoli for Diwali, and invite friends or neighbors to join you in celebrations. Many cities have Indian cultural organizations that host community events during festivals, providing a chance to celebrate with fellow Indians.

Learn more about Indian Festivals That Feel Like Home to bring festive joy into your life abroad.

2. Cook Traditional Indian Dishes

Food has a unique power to evoke memories and feelings of home. Preparing traditional Indian meals not only brings the taste of home to your kitchen but also connects you to your roots. It’s a great way to pass down recipes, connect with family through food, and enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.

• Tip: Stock up on essential Indian spices, grains, and lentils to make familiar dishes like biryani, dosa, or dal. Many cities have Indian grocery stores, or you can find authentic spices online. Try cooking family recipes or experimenting with regional specialties that remind you of home.

3. Connect with the Indian Community

Finding and engaging with the Indian community in your area provides a support network and the chance to share familiar cultural experiences. Many countries have Indian associations that host cultural events, religious gatherings, and networking meetups.

• Tip: Look for local groups, social media pages, or community centers that cater to the Indian diaspora. Attending these gatherings can provide friendship, support, and a sense of belonging, especially if you’re new to the area.

4. Create a Familiar Home Environment

Decorating your home with familiar Indian touches can make your space feel cozier and more comforting. Small decor elements like Indian textiles, artwork, or incense can create a sense of belonging and remind you of home.

• Tip: Incorporate traditional Indian decor items, such as tapestries, brass statues, or handmade crafts. Consider adding familiar touches like traditional lamps or wall hangings, or even playing Indian music in the background to make the space feel homely.

5. Embrace Indian Spirituality and Meditation Practices

Many Indian expats find solace in spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, or regular prayer rituals. These practices not only help manage the stress of adjusting to a new place but also foster a sense of peace and connection to Indian culture.

• Tip: Create a small meditation or prayer space in your home. Practicing daily meditation or yoga can provide grounding and help you reconnect with inner peace, while prayer rituals can offer familiarity and a comforting daily routine.

6. Watch Indian Movies, Shows, and News

Staying up-to-date with Indian news or enjoying Bollywood movies and regional shows is an easy way to stay connected to the Indian culture. Watching familiar content can make you feel closer to home and offer an enjoyable way to unwind.

• Tip: Subscribe to Indian streaming services or download apps that offer Bollywood movies, regional cinema, or Indian TV channels. Watching news from home can keep you updated on current events, while movies and shows offer a nostalgic escape.

7. Pass Down Cultural Knowledge to Younger Generations

For Indian families living abroad, passing down cultural traditions to children is a meaningful way to stay connected to roots. Teaching children about Indian festivals, values, stories, or languages instills a sense of identity and pride in their heritage.

• Tip: Engage in cultural storytelling, teach children to cook traditional recipes, or share books and songs from Indian culture. Celebrating Indian festivals together helps younger generations feel connected and rooted in their cultural identity.

8. Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

Frequent communication with loved ones back home helps bridge the distance and maintains your connection to family life, traditions, and everyday happenings. Video calls, chats, and shared photos can bring the warmth of family gatherings into your new home.

• Tip: Set regular times for video calls with family and friends, or consider creating a shared photo album where everyone can post updates. Virtual gatherings during festivals or birthdays can also make you feel included and supported.

Read more on Career Decisions and Leaving Everything Behind for insights on balancing career and connections.

9. Support and Celebrate Indian Businesses and Artisans

Supporting Indian businesses abroad or back home helps preserve cultural heritage while contributing to the economy. From clothing and jewelry to art and handicrafts, purchasing Indian-made items connects you to artisans and traditions.

• Tip: Seek out Indian-owned businesses in your area or shop online for handcrafted goods, ethnic wear, or unique home decor items. Buying Indian products for your home or as gifts keeps you connected and supports local craftsmanship.

10. Learn and Teach Indian Languages

Language is a powerful tool for preserving culture. Speaking in your mother tongue or teaching Indian languages to your children can help keep a strong connection to your heritage. Many expats find comfort in expressing themselves in their native language, especially when they’re far from home.

• Tip: Regularly speak in your native language at home, or consider teaching basic words to non-Indian friends. Language classes are also available in some cities and can help Indian children born abroad learn their family’s language.

Conclusion:

For Indian expats, creating a home away from home is about more than just decorating a space. It’s a way to keep traditions, values, and memories alive, fostering a sense of identity and comfort. By embracing festivals, preparing traditional foods, connecting with the community, and staying close to family, Indian expats can bridge the gap between their homeland and new surroundings, finding joy and a sense of belonging in both worlds. Embrace these tips to stay rooted, connected, and proud of your heritage, no matter where life takes you.

Further Reading

1. Solo Living in UAE: Explore the essentials of living independently in the UAE, from setting up your space to managing daily life.
2. Accepting an International Job: A guide to making informed decisions about international opportunities and their long-term impact.
3. Education Planning in Indian Households: A Time-Tested Tradition: Learn how Indian families prioritize education as part of their life planning.

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