Golu far away from home

Autumn in the U.S. always brings back to me beautiful memories of Dasara and the excitement that filled those festive days. Growing up back home, the celebrations were more than just rituals — they were about community, tradition, and the simple joys that made childhood so special. With goodie bags in hand, we children would set out with friends, carefully planning the order of houses to visit, eager to discover the surprises waiting for us at each doorstep.

I vividly remember passing by my music teacher’s house, where she would call out my name and insist that I sing the Carnatic songs I had been practising for weeks. Every home we visited carried that same expectation — a song, a prayer, or a verse before receiving the goodies and sundal (varieties of cooked lentils). It was never about just collecting treats; it was about sharing our voices, carrying forward tradition, and feeling a sense of belonging.

The real magic, however, came with the opening of goodie bags to find colourful mirrors, tiny combs, bangles, and little trinkets that felt like treasures to a child. I would spend hours arranging and admiring them, swapping with friends, and reliving the joy of each visit. Those simple moments, filled with music, laughter, and community spirit, remain etched in my heart, making every Dasara a festival of both devotion and delight.

My early years in the U.S. were filled with a longing to relive those festive experiences and recreate similar memories for my children. It all began with a small set of golu dolls, lovingly given by my mother as part of a wedding tradition. Placed in my little sanctum, they became the seed of a new beginning. Each year, I added a new set to the collection, watching the display grow along with our celebrations.

Being part of the sandwich generation — bridging parents back in India and children growing up here—wasn’t always easy. Yet it was also a blessing. Having the support, traditions, and guidance from parents back home gave strength to finding ways to continue the traditions while sharing them with my children here built a bridge between two worlds.

Today, my heart is full and content as I begin to build a home far from where my roots lie. Through miniature and themed decorations, I am able to relive the joys of my childhood and share those memories with the community.

Uprooting from generations of family is never easy, but culture shapes who you are — and no matter where you live, it stays with you.

sps.krishnan@gmail.com