How to: Manage Homesickness during Diwali

06 Nov, 2024

As Diwali ends, international students in the U.S. may reflect on the festival with joy and homesickness. While this Diwali may have passed, it’s never too early to start preparing for next year. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned celebrator, planning ahead can bring the warmth of home in the USA. Here’s how to get ready for Diwali 2025 and make it a celebration to remember!

Homesickness and Diwali: A Common Feeling

For many international students, Diwali is the time they miss home the most. During the festive season, families celebrate by lighting diyas, donning new clothes, savoring homemade sweets, and watching fireworks together.

Despite the absence of family and grandeur in the U.S., Diwali can still feel just as special. Homesickness during festivals is natural, but there are ways to cope while still enjoying the essence of Diwali.

Connecting with Indian Communities: A Slice of Home

One of the best ways to combat homesickness is by finding a community that understands what you’re going through. The U.S. is home to vibrant Indian communities, especially in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston, where Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Universities often host Diwali events for Indian students to gather, share stories, and celebrate together. These events often feature cultural performances, traditional food, and even a few sparklers to bring some of that Diwali magic to the campus. Attending these events can give you a sense of belonging and remind you that you’re not alone in missing home.

In larger cities, you’ll find temples and community centers organizing pujas, prayers, and Diwali fairs. Participating in these celebrations can help recreate the familiar feeling of Diwali, making it easier to manage the emotional distance from home.

Embracing Traditions to Ease Homesickness

When you’re far from home, creating a sense of tradition and routine can help ease feelings of loneliness. Here’s how you can celebrate Diwali on your own terms while keeping homesickness at bay:

Recreate Festive Memories: Just because you’re abroad doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same rituals. Decorate your room with fairy lights, candles, and rangolis (even if they’re DIY versions with colored paper). If you have roommates, invite them to join in and share the cultural significance of each tradition.
Cook Your Favorite Dishes: Food can evoke home, even with limited ingredients; make traditional Diwali treats like kheer or coconut ladoos since U.S. Indian stores offer festive supplies. Treat yourself to sweets and don’t forget to connect with family via video call while cooking for a shared experience!
Virtual Celebrations with Family: Technology is a great comfort when you’re far from home. Set up a video call with your family during their Diwali celebrations. You can light diyas together, exchange festive wishes, and feel connected despite the distance. Some students even choose to keep family traditions alive by following their home routine, such as performing a small puja with their parents on a video call.
Host a Diwali Gathering: Invite your friends over for a Diwali celebration. Consider a casual potluck with traditional dishes. Sharing Diwali with newcomers can bridge cultures and reduce isolation. This can help replace the absence of family with new connections and memories.

Balancing Studies and Diwali: Managing Expectations

Another challenge that can heighten homesickness is that Diwali often doesn’t align with the U.S. academic calendar. You may have classes, assignments, or even exams on Diwali day, leaving you with little time to celebrate. This can add to feelings of frustration and isolation. However, with a bit of planning, you can still create a balance:

Time Management: Try to complete any urgent academic tasks in advance so that you can spend the evening enjoying Diwali, even if it’s just a few hours of lighting candles and eating sweets.
Take Short Breaks: Even if your schedule is packed, take a few minutes to connect with family, light diyas, or say a quick prayer. Small moments of tradition can help alleviate feelings of homesickness.

Making Diwali Abroad Special

While celebrating Diwali in the U.S. may not completely fill the gap of being away from home, it does offer unique opportunities. You get to experience the festival in a new cultural context, share it with people from different backgrounds, and create new memories that combine the best of both worlds.

Being away from home during festivals is never easy, and homesickness is a natural part of the experience. However, by embracing the local Indian community, creating new traditions, and staying connected with your roots, you can turn Diwali into a meaningful celebration that feels like a home away from home.

Conclusion: Finding Light in a New Place

Diwali may stir up feelings of homesickness, but it also presents a chance for personal growth, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation of your culture. While the bustling streets of India may be far away, the festival’s true essence—light, hope, and togetherness—can still be found in the U.S.

So, light those diyas, share your culture with friends, and celebrate the Festival of Lights with an open heart. Happy Diwali!