In a moving social media post, an NRI woman spoke about her connection to Indian clothes and how much she misses the vibrant styles she once wore every day.
Her words resonate with many Indian women living abroad who find that while Indian food, movies, and groceries have a strong presence in the U.S., the same can’t be said for traditional Indian clothes.
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Back in India, she remembers her wardrobe full of chikankari kurtas, anarkalis, colorful phulkari dupattas, and graceful sarees.
She used to wear them with pride, completing her look with bold jhumkas, bangles, a tiny bindi, and chunky necklaces.
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Every outfit felt like a celebration, and every occasion was an excuse to dress up, to feel connected, and to showcase the beauty of her culture.
But things have changed. Now, she saves them only for plain cotton suits to run errands or drop her kids off at school.
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Her once-a-year parties, mostly on Diwali, would be the only time a saree could be worn without feeling overdressed.
Life is different in the U.S.
Different festivals, gatherings, and busy social occasions where she once celebrated her identity with clothes are no longer there.
The city she lives in has a small Indian community, where there’s barely an occasion to wear Indian clothes.
She works from home, and her wardrobe is mostly comfortable clothes, not the elegant pieces she once wore.
On weekends, when she does step out with friends, wearing a saree feels like too much.
Instead of feeling proud, she feels out of place – almost like she’s making a statement just by being herself.
This is a common experience shared by NRI women.
In U.S. cities like Dallas, Chicago, and New Jersey, with larger Indian populations, there are more frequent cultural events.
However, most places don’t offer the same connection to traditional Indian clothes.
Yes, Indian food and movies have found their space in American culture.
Indian grocery stores are easy to find, and the aroma of masala fills many homes.
Bollywood films play in select theaters, and Indian restaurants thrive, making it easy to feel a sense of belonging.
But traditional clothing? That’s different. There simply isn’t the same demand.
Traditional wear instantly connects many Indian parents to memories of home, family, and festivals.
But for their children, it feels like a duty.
Wearing a saree or kurta seems to be more of an effort than something enjoyable.
Many second-generation Indian girls wear Indian clothes only when occasions demand it, not with pride but out of obligation.
Children of Indian immigrants often feel pressured when asked to wear traditional clothes, especially during Diwali or major festivals.
They appreciate the beauty of the attire – the intricate designs, bold colors, and cultural significance – but feel out of place when surrounded by peers in casual outfits.
For these kids, Indian clothes sometimes seem more like costumes than comfortable attire.
They respect their parents’ love for these traditions but find it hard to embrace them outside of Indian gatherings.
There is a sense of homesickness, a desire to hold onto tradition, and a loss when those traditions can’t find a place in everyday life.
They wait for big festivals, knowing these are the few days they can wear a saree and feel at home, even if just for a moment.
For many NRI women, traditional Indian clothes showcase their vibrant culture, which is harder to incorporate into daily life.
Even so, these women find small ways to keep their heritage alive.
Bringing India to the U.S., one saree at a time, they celebrate their roots, wearing sarees, kurtas, and bangles during festivals or cultural events.
Each time they step out in Indian attire, they aren’t just dressing up; they’re sharing a piece of India with those around them, keeping their culture close despite being far from home.
