Growing up in a Nepali household in America, I have always been surrounded by my culture. Holding onto my previous heritage before moving here has always been important to me.
Celebrating Dashian and Tihar, traditional Nepali holidays, has always brought me back to my heritage. My parents and older family members put tika on my forehead and give me blessings about my educational future or how I should treat and respect my elders. As loud lok dohori music plays, my parents dance together. The scents of my favorite foods like khasi ko masu, dal and bhat, and momos engulf the atmosphere. This all gives me a sense of belonging. I feel connected. Even if I’m not present in Nepal, this feels like l am back at home.
Besides festivals and food, having these different traditions has always taught me to be respectful of others, even if they come from different backgrounds.
At school, I explain the importance of these Nepali holidays to my friends, and I explain how they help me feel connected to my roots back in Nepal, but also help to add diversity to the community. I realize that everyone has their own traditions, their own beliefs, and their own roots where they come from. These all help shape America like a quilt. All different fabrics piecing together to make one whole. Not everyone and their traditions are the same, and this is what helps shape America differently.
Seeing this happen, I feel proud of where I come from; the cultural ideas and values have stuck with me. Though having to adjust to the American lifestyle, I have not forgotten my roots and where I come from.
