🎉 How to Celebrate Indian Festivals Abroad – A Guide for NRIs & Students

Living away from India doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the vibrant joy of Diwali, Holi, Eid, or Navratri. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or an NRI family abroad, Indian festivals can still be celebrated with the same spirit—even in a different country.

Here’s a simple guide on how to celebrate Indian festivals abroad and keep the festive spark alive, no matter where you are!

🌏 1. Find Local Indian Communities

Look for Indian associations, student groups, or cultural clubs in your city. Most of them organize:

Community Diwali functions
Holi color parties in parks
Garba nights during Navratri
Potlucks during Eid or Pongal

🧭 Tip: Use platforms like Meetup, Facebook Groups, and the AbroadSaathi app to connect with your local Indian community.

🏡 2. Celebrate at Home – Even If It's Small

Don’t wait for a big event to feel festive.

✨ Do-it-yourself celebration ideas:

Light diyas and decorate your room with rangoli on Diwali.
Cook traditional dishes or try easy recipes from YouTube.
Dress up in ethnic wear—even for a virtual celebration.
Host a mini puja or prayer ceremony via Zoom with family.

🎁 Bonus: Share sweets or snacks with international friends—they’ll love the experience!

🎶 3. Share the Culture with Friends Abroad

Festivals are a great way to introduce Indian traditions to your international friends.

🫂 Invite them to:

Celebrate Holi with colors and Indian music.
Join a potluck for Eid or Onam.
Try on sarees or kurtas for Diwali.
Learn a Bollywood dance or bhangra!

🎨 Cultural exchange makes festivals more meaningful and memorable.

💻 4. Go Virtual with Family Back Home

Staying connected is easier than ever:

Do video calls during festival meals or family prayers.
Host online antakshari, games, or virtual aartis.
Send digital gifts or order sweets online to be delivered to loved ones in India.

💡 Apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet help bridge the distance during festivals.

🛒 5. Shop Online for Indian Festive Essentials

Many countries have Indian stores or online platforms that offer:

Ethnic clothes
Festival décor
Puja items
Sweets and snacks

🛍️ Popular sites: Amazon, DesiClik, Patel Brothers (USA), Spice Village (UK), or your local Indian grocery.

🎭 6. Attend Cultural Shows & Events

Keep an eye out for:

Indian film screenings
Temple festivals
University cultural nights
Community garba, dandiya, or classical dance shows

These events offer a strong sense of belonging and nostalgia!

🙏 7. Keep the Spiritual Side Alive

Even away from home, don’t lose touch with the inner meaning of the festival.

🪔 Whether it’s lighting a diya, offering namaz, or meditating on a full moon night—create your own rituals that keep you grounded in your culture.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Being far from India can be tough during festival season, but with a little effort, you can still feel at home abroad. Celebrating Indian festivals overseas is about creativity, connection, and community.

Make new traditions while cherishing the old. Wherever you are, the spirit of India lives on in your celebrations!

🔗 Want to join Indian festivals happening near you?

📲 Download the AbroadSaathi app on Google Play or App Store and discover events, communities, and friends to celebrate with!

🌐 Visit AbroadSaathi.com for cultural guides, Indian store locators, and festival updates for Indian students and NRIs abroad.