Indian Traditions To Keep Living Abroad
1. Indian Traditions to Keep Living Abroad: Saving Old Bollywood Songs
Some songs are more than music — they’re memories locked in a melody. Before we moved, my uncle bought a couple of CDs for me with Bollywood movies and songs. I must’ve watched and listened to them hundreds of times.
Even now, years later, I still play those same old tracks on long drives, on rainy days, or when I’m missing home a little too much. Each song brings back the smell of monsoon rain, crowded markets, and noisy family get-togethers. Living abroad changes many things, but the emotions in those songs never fade. They’re my time machine back to India whenever I need it.
For many Indians abroad, these little rituals — like replaying old melodies — become one of the strongest Indian traditions to keep living abroad, connecting heart and memory across distance.
2. Using “Uncle” and “Aunty” With Desi Families
In the U.S., it feels normal to call everyone by their first name — even people decades older than you. But with other Indian families, I can’t imagine doing that. Saying “Uncle” and “Aunty” feels natural, a sign of respect that was ingrained in me growing up.
Sometimes, it surprises people here or makes them smile because it’s not common. But for me, it’s more than just a word — it’s carrying forward the way I was raised, even when everything else around me is different.
Culture shock is real when you first move. Read my experience in Culture Shock I Didn’t Expect After Moving Abroad to see how those moments felt.
If you’re trying to keep your identity strong while adjusting to a new country, this simple guide from Educatly explains how to hold on to your traditions while fitting into a different culture — from respecting elders to celebrating your roots proudly abroad.
These gestures may seem small, but they’re part of the Indian traditions to keep living abroad that remind us who we are, no matter how far we go.
3. Sharing Food Without Thinking Twice
Food in India has always been about community. You don’t just eat alone; you share with everyone around you, whether you know them well or not. Even abroad, this habit sticks.
At school, I was that kid who always offered a bite of my lunch, even when others didn’t. At home, we never plate meals separately — everyone digs in together. Sharing food isn’t just polite; it’s how we show love and build connections, no matter what country we live in.
This is also one of the small cultural habits I mentioned in A Day in the Life: Adjusting to Everyday Life as an NRI, where everyday routines shape how you feel abroad.
4. Keeping Indian Snacks Stocked at Home
No matter where we live, our kitchen will always have Parle-G biscuits, namkeen, or a jar of spicy achar tucked away somewhere. These snacks don’t just fill hunger; they fill the gap that distance creates.
Even after years abroad, opening a packet of Indian snacks feels like opening a little piece of home. It brings back evenings with family, chai breaks, and that warm, familiar feeling that nothing outside India can replace.
If small habits like snacks help you feel grounded, my post How I Handled Homesickness After Leaving India goes deeper into the emotional comfort these traditions bring.
Final Thoughts on Indian Traditions to Keep Living Abroad
Moving abroad changes the way you live, speak, and even think. But traditions like these are my anchor. They remind me where I come from and keep a part of India alive in my everyday life. These small habits may not seem like much, but they carry memories, love, and identity that I’ll never give up — no matter where I go.
Ultimately, these Indian traditions to keep living abroad remind me who I am and keep my culture alive, no matter how many years I live overseas.
