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In this episode of Global Desi Women, we celebrate one of the most cherished aspects of Indian culture—our festivals. Whether it’s the shimmering lights of Diwali, the vibrant colors of Holi, or the soulful celebrations of Eid, Indian festivals are rich with tradition and cultural significance. But how do these grand celebrations evolve when we're living abroad? How do we keep the spirit of these festivals alive while navigating life in a different cultural setting?
Host Arti Solanki and her co-hosts Bhavana Shelley, Vinoo Palicha, and Karishma Shelley dive into the experiences of Indians living abroad, reflecting on how festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Holi help keep cultural connections strong. These festivals not only bring families together but also serve as a bridge to the homeland, allowing us to hold onto our heritage, even as we integrate into new communities. However, celebrating these festivals abroad comes with its own set of challenges, from time zone differences and the lack of public holidays to difficulties in finding traditional foods, decorations, and attire. The hosts explore how families overcome these hurdles, finding creative ways to recreate festive traditions far from home.
One of the most significant aspects of celebrating Indian festivals abroad is the role of community. Whether it’s local temples, cultural centers, or informal gatherings of friends and families, Indian communities across the world come together to celebrate these occasions. The hosts share personal stories of grand Diwali parties, Garba nights during Navratri, and Holi celebrations in local parks, all of which offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie. These community-driven events often become larger than life, showcasing Indian culture to a wider audience and blending traditional celebrations with local flavor.
The conversation also touches on the fusion of traditions that often takes place when celebrating festivals abroad. Many diaspora families blend their Indian heritage with the customs of their adopted countries, creating hybrid celebrations that reflect both cultures. From celebrating Diwali alongside Thanksgiving to introducing their non-Indian friends to the colors and joy of Holi, these fusions offer unique opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding.
Generational differences also come into play, as the hosts discuss how second-generation Indian children, born and raised abroad, often experience festivals differently from their parents. For the older generation, there is a strong desire to replicate the festivals exactly as they were back home, while the younger generation may be more inclined to adapt the celebrations to fit their new environment.
The emotional side of celebrating festivals abroad is also a key topic in this episode. For many immigrants, festivals bring a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and homesickness as they remember celebrating these occasions with large family gatherings back in India.
As the episode wraps up, the hosts delve into the growing trend of sustainable celebrations, highlighting how diaspora families are embracing eco-friendly practices like plastic-free decorations, organic Holi colors, and upcycled festival attire. The conversation reveals how these modern values are blending with traditional practices, ensuring that festivals not only honor cultural heritage but also promote sustainability.
Tune in to this enlightening episode to hear how Indians across the world are keeping the spirit of their festivals alive, even while far from home. Whether you’re lighting diyas on your balcony in New York or throwing colors in a London park, Indian festivals continue to offer a powerfu

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In this episode of Global Desi Women, we delve into the evolving landscape of gender roles in Indian society. Traditionally, Indian men and women have had distinct roles, shaped by cultural expectations and societal norms. Men were often seen as the providers, while women were the caretakers, confined to the domestic sphere. However, we've come a long way from those stereotypes.

As Indian women, we've redefined our roles, learning to balance our careers, personal growth, and family life. We’ve embraced the importance of giving ourselves the time and space to pursue our ambitions and prioritize our well-being.

I’m your host, Arti Solanki—a business coach, real estate broker, and entrepreneur. Joining me in this insightful discussion are my co-hosts, Vinoo Palicha, Sanchi Palicha, and Bhavana Shelley. Together, we'll explore how far we've come, the challenges we've faced, and the strides we continue to make in breaking free from traditional gender roles. Tune in to hear our thoughts and share your own experiences on this important journey.

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Welcome to another captivating episode of Global Desi Women, where we dive deep into the traditions, beliefs, and customs that shape our lives. This week, we’re exploring a topic that many of us are familiar with, but few truly understand — Indian superstitions.

From avoiding cracked mirrors to not stepping out when a black cat crosses your path, superstitions are ingrained in the everyday lives of many Indian families. But where did these beliefs come from, and why do they continue to influence the way we live today? More importantly, how do these superstitions affect us—both positively and negatively?

The Origins of Superstitions

Superstitions are often passed down through generations, rooted in ancient customs, religious beliefs, or folk wisdom. Some superstitions are linked to cultural practices meant to protect us, while others have evolved into rituals that no longer serve a clear purpose. We’ll trace the origins of some of the most well-known Indian superstitions, from never sweeping the house after dark to the significance of the evil eye, and explore how these practices came to be.

Superstitions and Daily Life: The Good

Surprisingly, some superstitions serve a useful purpose. In this episode, we’ll explore how certain beliefs are meant to instill positive habits or create a sense of order and control in an uncertain world. For example, the idea of starting a journey or an important task at an auspicious time can help boost confidence and focus, while rituals for warding off evil spirits can create a sense of comfort and protection. We’ll discuss how some superstitions may have developed out of practical needs and how they can sometimes bring families together through shared customs.

The Dark Side of Superstitions: The Bad

While some superstitions can have a comforting or positive impact, others can hold us back. In many cases, superstitions foster fear, anxiety, and even discrimination. We’ll discuss the negative consequences of superstitions, particularly when they become limiting or harmful. How often have people avoided making important decisions or taking risks because of a “bad omen”? We’ll dive into stories where superstitions have led to missed opportunities or even perpetuated harmful stereotypes, such as the belief that certain birthmarks or physical traits are unlucky.

Superstitions in the Modern World

As the world evolves and people become more connected through technology and global perspectives, many traditional beliefs are being challenged. However, superstitions continue to persist, even in modern, educated societies. Why do these beliefs still hold power over us? Is it simply a matter of habit, or do they serve a deeper psychological purpose?

A Balanced Perspective: Tradition vs. Progress

In this episode, we aim to strike a balance between understanding and critiquing these beliefs. While it’s essential to honor the traditions that have shaped our culture, it’s equally important to question whether they serve a purpose in today’s world. We’ll engage in thoughtful discussions about when superstitions become problematic and how individuals can find empowerment by challenging long-held beliefs that no longer benefit them.

Tune in to this enlightening and entertaining episode as we explore the good, the bad, and the mysterious sides of Indian superstitions. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of how these beliefs influence us, and perhaps even start to question the superstitions that affect your own life!

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In this episode of Global Desi Women, host Arti Solanki is joined by Natasha Gandhi, Dr. Reena Jasani, and Karishma Shelley for an intimate and enlightening discussion about their mothers and the unique experiences of being raised as first-generation Indian Americans. The episode dives deep into the rich cultural traditions, values, and methods their moms used while navigating life in a new country, often in contrast to the approaches of mothers from other cultures.

Each of the co-hosts brings their own story to the table, creating a tapestry of shared and unique experiences. They explore how their moms balanced the preservation of Indian traditions while adapting to the cultural norms of the United States. This balancing act shaped not only their upbringing but also their own understanding of identity, success, and family dynamics.

The conversation touches on several key areas, including:

Cultural Expectations vs. Adaptation

The co-hosts talk about how their mothers had to manage the expectations placed on them as women in a traditional Indian setting while adjusting to the realities of life in America. Whether it was navigating education, career paths, or marriage, the mothers of these first-generation women found ways to pass down cultural values without being rigid or losing sight of the new environment they were raising their children in.

Education & Career

Education has always been a cornerstone in many Indian households, but the way it was approached differed from mainstream American culture. The co-hosts explore how their moms’ approach to education wasn’t just about good grades—it was about discipline, respect, and understanding the broader picture of success. Whether encouraging traditional careers like medicine and engineering or supporting their children’s creative endeavors, these moms had a unique way of instilling confidence and resilience in their daughters.

Marriage & Relationships

Arranged marriages are often a staple of Indian culture, but how did these mothers navigate the concept of marriage in America? The co-hosts share their stories about how their mothers dealt with the merging of old-world customs and the new-world approach to relationships, sometimes blending the two in ways that made sense for their family while challenging societal norms in both cultures.

The Legacy of Indian Mothers

Finally, the episode explores the legacy that these mothers have left behind. From their strength in overcoming challenges to their ability to adapt and persevere, the moms of these co-hosts are celebrated as pillars of resilience and grace. The episode concludes by honoring the vital role that mothers—particularly Indian moms—play in shaping the lives of their daughters, passing down wisdom, love, and a deep sense of cultural pride.
This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the women who made significant sacrifices while instilling values of hard work, respect, and cultural pride in their children. It highlights the unique blend of tradition and modernity that Indian mothers embody, particularly when raising first-generation children in America.

Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant, someone curious about cross-cultural parenting, or just interested in the dynamics of Indian family life, this episode provides rich insights, personal anecdotes, and a deep appreciation for the women who raised us.

Tune in for an emotional, funny, and inspiring episode as Arti Solanki, Natasha Gandhi, Dr. Reena Jasani, and Karishma Shelley take you through their journeys of being raised by Indian moms in a land far from home.

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In this episode of Global Desi Women, we dive deep into the complex world of body image and beauty standards in the South Asian community. Beauty ideals in Desi culture are often shaped by traditional expectations, Bollywood influences, and societal pressures, and they can have a lasting impact on self-esteem and mental health, especially for women.
Host Arti Solanki, along with her co-hosts Kavita Jasani and Bhavana Shelley, engages in a candid conversation about the *traditional Indian beauty ideals*, such as fair skin, long hair, and slim body types. They discuss how these ideals are perpetuated through family, community, and media, and how they differ from the beauty standards in Western cultures. The hosts reflect on their own personal experiences, growing up with these pressures and how it shaped their self-image.
A major focus of the discussion is 'colorism'—the preference for lighter skin within the South Asian community. The co-hosts explore how colorism impacts daily life, from family dynamics to professional opportunities. They also touch on the harmful role that skin-lightening products play in reinforcing these ideals and how movements like #UnfairAndLovely are challenging these norms.
Another important topic is body shaming and weight. In many Desi households, casual comments about weight and appearance are common and can often cause emotional distress. The co-hosts share their experiences with body shaming and discuss how the pressure to be slim affects women’s mental health. They also explore the growing trend of body positivity and size inclusivity and how it’s slowly being accepted in the South Asian community.
Hair and facial features are also major aspects of Desi beauty standards. From the expectation of long, straight hair to societal pressure to remove body hair, the hosts talk about how these norms affect women’s grooming choices and self-image. The conversation also touches on the pressure to alter facial features to conform to certain ideals, with the rise of cosmetic procedures and treatments.
The discussion then shifts to the influence of Bollywood and media, highlighting how movies, advertisements, and social media continue to promote narrow standards of beauty. The co-hosts analyze the impact of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where filters and edited images create unrealistic beauty expectations. They explore how these platforms both perpetuate and challenge beauty standards, with the rise of more diverse representation in recent years.
Throughout the episode, the co-hosts discuss the mental health implications of these beauty pressures, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. They offer advice on how to foster a healthy relationship with body image within Desi families, and encourage positive conversations that promote self-acceptance and self-love.
In the final part of the episode, the hosts explore how the second generation of South Asians is challenging traditional beauty norms and embracing diverse forms of beauty. They celebrate role models, influencers, and movements that advocate for natural beauty, darker skin tones, and body positivity. The episode ends with empowering strategies on how to redefine beauty standards for the next generation and promote confidence, self-love, and inclusivity.
Tune in to this eye-opening conversation about how body image and beauty standards affect individuals in the Desi community and how we can collectively reshape these standards for a more inclusive future.
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