Living away from home often makes one crave the familiar sights, sounds, and flavors of our roots. But I’ve always believed that if you carry traditions in your heart, you can recreate them anywhere—and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
Year after year, our little circle of friends has turned into family through festivals.
Every year, our home transforms into a little India. Ganesh Chaturthi arrives with five days of devotion, laughter, and togetherness. The soft chantings during aarti, the fragrance of incense, the smiles of friends gathered close—all remind us of the celebrations we grew up with. The immersion, though far from the bustling streets of home, carries the same emotion—tears in our eyes, prayers on our lips, and gratitude in our hearts.
Soon after, Navratri brings its own magic and grace. We lovingly arrange the Golu, step by step, placing dolls and idols that narrate stories of gods, goddesses and saints\gurus etc.Some of these dolls have traveled with us for years, others are lovingly added over time, and together they tell stories that bind generations. Children’s eyes light up as they listen to the tales behind each figure, while elders find joy in passing down their wisdom. Each evening, the Golu glows with lamps, chantings fill the air, and our home becomes a space of devotion and storytelling.
And then comes the warmth of Haldi Kumkum—a tradition that celebrates womanhood, friendship, and prosperity. Ladies arrive in bright saris, carrying little trays of kumkum, turmeric, and small gifts. Smiles and blessings are exchanged, bangles and bindis passed around, and the air rings with laughter and conversation. What seems like a simple ritual becomes a beautiful reminder of solidarity and shared strength among women.
And then, as Diwali approaches, our kitchen comes alive—sweets and savories made by hand, wrapped with love, and shared with friends who are no longer just friends, but family.
Each festival is not just a ritual; it’s a bond. Friends wait eagerly for the aartis, for the prasadam, for the laughter we share. Over the years, what began as our small effort to keep traditions alive has grown into a community celebration. Today, more hands join in decorating, cooking, chanting, serving. Festivals have become larger, warmer, and even more heartfelt, because they belong to all of us.
In this home away from home, we’ve built a culture, a trust, and a rhythm of togetherness. Our children watch us, participate with us, and slowly absorb what these moments mean.
✨ For us, festivals are not just celebrations—they are a promise to live by example, to keep our roots alive, and to gift the next generation a culture they can carry proudly into their tomorrow. ✨
Blessmesai 