My Desi Heritage

by sandhya garg

My Desi Heritage

Understanding Southeast Asian Culture

Hello, welcome to my website. My name is Sandhya Garg. I am a recent immigrant from India to Unites States. I have been in US for almost 8 years now. I grew up in India, mostly in northern India and for a few years of college in Bangalore, which is in south Indian state of Karnataka. I had an amazing childhood, lovely memories and I am so proud of my Indian culture and heritage. I am someone everyone loves to call a "Desi" woman or a desi girl. The meaning of Desi can be explained as a person belonging to southeast asian culture. No matter if you have desi friends or not, I am sure you have heard about desi food. Anybody who loves species, loves desi food which includes Indian food, Pakistani food, Bangladeshi food.

I wouldn't trade my growing up years for anything. Both my husband and I grew up in India and we have nothing but the most joyful memories.

I am writing this blog to share how amazing India is. Don't let the vision of Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire paint a picture of endless slums of extremely poor people living in the worst conditions ever define India. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine movie. But that is not what India is all about. Of course, showing the progressive India probably doesn't do much for making a good movie. India is full of so many rich experiences, India is full of love and culture and endless warmth. I can say this with immense experience as I have lived in the UK, USA and India and travelled extensively around the globe. Desi people would offer you help without expecting anything in return. Desi culture is all about being humble, celebrating life everyday and being a good person.

What can I say about India, How can I make you love it as much as I do. Well, If you have never been to India, put it on your travel list. India has some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. India was invaded several times by groups of people from many different cultures. India is a home to many different religions and cultures. This influx, mixing and mingling of the most beautiful cultures and minds in the world led to some of the most deliciously complex flavored food, traditions, architecture and over all culture.

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Indian culture is diverse, complex, and has a rich history dating back several thousand years. India is a vast country with 29 states, each with their own distinct language, customs, and traditions. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key aspects of Indian culture and traditions that may be unfamiliar to Americans.

Religion: India is a predominantly Hindu country, with over 80% of the population identifying as Hindu. Other religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism also have significant followings. Religion plays a significant role in Indian culture and is reflected in daily life, customs, and traditions.
Family: Family is the cornerstone of Indian culture. The extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, is highly valued and plays an important role in socializing and raising children. The concept of arranged marriage is also prevalent in India, where families play a significant role in choosing a partner for their children.
Food: Indian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors, spices, and aromas. Each region in India has its own unique cuisine, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Indian food is often served with rice, bread, and lentils, and is best enjoyed with your hands.
Festivals: India is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the major festivals include Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and Eid. Festivals are celebrated with much fanfare and involve elaborate rituals, feasting, and family gatherings.
Clothing: Indian clothing is known for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and embroidery. Traditional attire for women includes sarees, lehengas, and salwar kameez, while men often wear kurtas and dhotis. Clothing is also an important aspect of religious and cultural events, where traditional attire is often worn.

In conclusion, Indian culture is diverse and rich, with a long history and many traditions. While it may be different from American culture, it is important to approach it with an open mind and appreciate its uniqueness. Understanding and respecting Indian culture can lead to a deeper appreciation of its traditions and customs.

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About the

author

Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway fashion designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few.

She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US,Workshop at Macy's, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few.

She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses, casual resort attire and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

See Sandhya's work