We Know Diwali is Desi Enough

Explicit content warning

12/28/23 • 28 min

Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas to everyone who celebrates. As Desi youth, many of us are used to our traditional celebrations with friends and family at home. Being away for college, especially at a predominantly white institution (PWI), can make the holiday feel isolating and lonely. Some of us find our groups and ways to celebrate away from home, while others really feel the discontent of not being able to completely celebrate a favorite holiday (especially when we have classes that day). How do we make our holidays away from our communities still feel desi and celebrated?

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Are Double Standards (in Families) Desi Enough?

Desi youth, as well as people of color around the world, face double standards in their everyday lives and have grown up with it in one way or another. Families have imposed sexist ideas and rules that take a lot of unlearning to break free from, whether it be about academics, looks, personality, or even hobbies. Does this sound familiar to you?