Raising kids abroad is a whole adventure on its own, but for many Indian parents, there’s an added layer: making sure their kids grow up with a sense of their roots. When you’re thousands of miles away from the familiar sounds, smells, and sights of India, it can be challenging to pass down your culture in a meaningful way. This is where cultural events and festivals can play a big role. Taking your kids to these events not only gives them a chance to have some fun, but it also helps them understand where they come from. Here’s why it’s so important to get them involved:
1. Experiencing Traditions Firsthand
Books and stories are great, but nothing beats experiencing something firsthand. Taking kids to cultural events lets them see and feel the traditions themselves. For instance, instead of just hearing about Diwali or Holi, they get to see the lights, taste the sweets, and join in on the dancing. It makes those abstract concepts real and relatable.
2. Connecting with Community
Growing up as a minority in a foreign country can be isolating. Attending Indian events helps kids feel like they’re part of a larger community. They get to see other kids who share similar backgrounds, which can make them feel more confident in their identity. It’s also a chance for them to make friends and build connections with others who understand their culture.
3. Learning the Stories Behind the Celebrations
Each Indian festival has a story behind it, and sharing these stories with kids helps them learn about the values and lessons that are an integral part of Indian culture. When they attend these events, they can hear the stories told in creative ways, through music or dance. It’s a chance for them to learn about characters like Krishna, Rama, or Durga, and to start understanding the morals behind these age-old tales.
4. Building a Sense of Identity
One of the most powerful aspects of attending cultural events is that it can help kids feel proud of who they are. Being Indian is a beautiful thing, but it can be hard for kids to appreciate that when they’re surrounded by a different culture all the time. Going to Indian festivals and events can reinforce the idea that their heritage is something to celebrate. It gives them a sense of belonging and pride that can boost their self-esteem and help them grow up with a strong, grounded identity.
5. Passing Down Family Traditions
Cultural events are also an opportunity to pass down your own family’s traditions. Maybe you and your parents used to make special sweets during certain festivals, or you’d always wear a certain color or style of clothing. By involving your kids in these traditions, you’re creating memories they can cherish and maybe even pass on to their own kids one day. These little rituals – like lighting diyas on Diwali or making rangoli during Pongal – create a sense of continuity and connection across generations.
Nothing beats experiencing a festival firsthand. Taking kids to cultural events lets them see and. feel the traditions for themselves.
6. Having Fun While Learning
Indian festivals and cultural events are vibrant, colorful, and full of life – the perfect way for kids to learn while having fun. They get to play with colors, dance to traditional music, taste new foods, and watch amazing performances. When kids associate their culture with fun and joy, they’re much more likely to stay connected to it as they grow up.
7. Strengthening Family Bonds
Going to cultural events can be a great bonding experience for families. It gives you a chance to spend quality time together, away from the usual daily routines. These events often bring families closer, as you experience the beauty of your culture together. It’s a chance to reminisce about your own childhood memories and share them with your kids. Whether you’re watching a traditional dance or sharing a plate of samosas, these shared experiences can bring families closer together.
8. Exposure to Indian Art and Music
Indian art, music, and dance are a huge part of what makes our culture so rich and unique. By attending events that feature these art forms, kids get to see the beauty and creativity that’s part of their heritage. They might even get inspired to learn an instrument like the tabla, take up classical dance, or try their hand at painting rangolis. These experiences can open up a world of creative expression and help them feel connected to their cultural roots.
9. Appreciating Cultural Diversity
When kids participate in cultural events, they develop a greater appreciation for diversity – not just Indian culture, but all cultures. They see firsthand that each culture has its own unique traditions and that these differences are something to be celebrated. This can help them grow up to be more open-minded and respectful of other cultures, which is an important quality in today’s multicultural world.
10. Making Lifelong Memories
Finally, taking your kids to cultural events is a way of creating memories that they’ll carry with them forever. These memories become a part of their story – something they’ll look back on fondly when they’re older. The smell of incense, the sound of a tabla, the taste of homemade sweets, or the feel of colors on their skin during Holi – these sensory memories are what make a culture come alive. And when they’re grown, these memories might even inspire them to keep the traditions going with their own families.
