How do you celebrate your culture in America? I celebrate mine in quite a few ways: by practicing, retaining and of course, celebrating it! I practice my culture by keeping in touch with my traditions. To retain my culture I follow my rituals. Finally, to celebrate my culture in America, I participate in religious occasions. Although I live in America, I still celebrate my Indian culture!

I practice my culture by dancing. I don't mean just any type of dance. I'm talking about Bharatnatyam, an Indian folk dance. In addition, since long ago, it has been an Indian "rule" to pay respect to your elders and anything else that is not rightfully yours, which I try to do every day. Lastly, going to the manding, an Indian temple, as often as possible is essential. Practicing my culture by following my traditions is a part of my everyday life.

I don't only practice my culture in celebrating it, but I retain it. I do so by following my rituals. First, eating Indian food isn't just important to please my parents or for eating healthy. Of course, most Indian food is healthy, but it's important to appreciate what our ancestors did for us when they created these lovely dishes. (Naturally, these meals have changed over time, since we have grown rather fond of new spices and herbs.) A second ritual, daily cleansing, also isn't just so Mom or Dad won't yell at me. It's about being clean when I sit down to pray so I can free my body and mind of bad deeds or thoughts that are ailing me. Praying every day and night, still another ritual, helps me begin with a fresh start and part with a pure end.

Finally, I celebrate my Indian culture in America by keeping in touch with my traditions and…celebrating it! To do so, I eulogize religious occasions, such as Navratri, Gods' and Goddesses' birthdays, and Diwali. Navrati, the nine-night festival, is one of my favorite events because I get a chance to perform Garba (an Indian dance performed out of respect for a goddess: Amba) with my friends, not to mention the time to rejoice over vanquishing demons. It is also when Gods' and Goddesses' birthdays take place, which are the days when supreme beings graced our earth. Diwali is another festival of lights, Diwali reminds me of my Indian culture, since it is the day when Lord Rama (a god) returns from the forest after saving his wife. Moreover, it is a fun way to get together with my family and friends to have a memorable time! These festivals and occasions are great times to me, and it is one of my valued treasures that money can't buy. I venerate practicing my traditions, not only because I love dancing and going to the mandir (and I will always respect people and animals for who they are), but because they are a part of who I am.
Retaining my rituals have I not only done since I can recall, but is also a member of my being. Eating the food of my ancestors has not often been a joy, and neither has daily cleansing, yet praying is something I learned when I was much younger. Celebrating my culture has been a great joy, especially with terrific religious occasions such as Navatri, Gods' and Goddesses' birthdays to celebrate, and Diwali on my mind. Although I live in America, I still find a way to celebrate my culture, and so should you, disregarding what race you are and where you come from!

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