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Lohri, Pongal, Bihu – How Indians celebrate festivals abroad?

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Published on January 13, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Many Indians, by choice, chance or luck, land on foreign shores searching for work, a better life and convenience. While the countries one chooses to migrate to give them the comforts they search for but in their hearts, every Indian yearn to celebrate their festival with the same zeal and fervour as they get to do in India. Just a decade back, this could have been just a dream. But with more Indians settling abroad and forming communities globally, most Indian festivals have also gone global. If you are planning to visit a loved one or a relative abroad to celebrate the upcoming festivals, make sure you get international travel insurance to safeguard yourself from any medical emergencies or other unforeseen events like – loss of baggage, flight delays and other pre-mentioned events in your policy.

Let’s take a look at how different festivals are celebrated globally:

Lohri

In countries like USA, UK and Canada, where north Indians have headed in large numbers to build their adobe, Lohri is celebrated with the same zeal and zest as in India. People gather in numbers at temples built for NRIs and priests offer prayers and read scriptures explaining the festival's importance. Later, a huge bonfire is lit, and people take rounds offering popcorn and peanuts to the fire, followed by a lavish meal. However, unlike India, these festivals are celebrated at limited places and need special permissions too.

Pongal

This festival is celebrated with lots of zeal by Tamilians across the globe. Tamilians residing in other parts of the world try to match the grandeur of the festival while residing overseas. Hindu temples in Britain and France organise the Pongal festival for Tamilians, while in Mauritius, it is celebrated on a National level with great fervour. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji also see grand celebrations by Indian communities. It is also celebrated in many South East Asian countries. The festival begins with the morning ritual of cooking rice in new pots, followed by offering vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the Gods.

Bihu

With many Assamese people residing in different parts of the world, Bhogali Bihu is celebrated worldwide with a lot of zest and fun. During the festival, women prepare delicacies like Chira, Mangsho, Pitha, etc. The festival's highlight is Bihu Dance, that both men and women perform.

Makar Sankranti

This festival is celebrated in most parts of India and Indians who stay abroad also try to celebrate the festival with the same vigour. Sweets and delicacies are prepared during Makar Sankranti and distributed among friends and family. Abroad people try to stick to these rituals as much as possible to stay connected with their roots. People also prepare different kinds of khichdi, greens and mixed vegetables.

Conclusion:

While Indian festivals are celebrated with the same amount of enthusiasm and fervour, however, if you wish to go abroad to celebrate these festivals, ensure to take travel insurance that can keep you secured during the time of your trip and save you from expenses that can arise due to a medical emergency or other events that are covered under the policy.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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