Vijayawada: With Diwali fast approaching, Andhra Pradesh‘s global expat community is gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights in a grand manner.
Despite being far away from home, they uphold cultural traditions with pujas, make traditional Andhra food like ariselu and pulihora, and decorate their homes.
In places like Texas, London, and Australia, community gatherings organised by Telugu associations foster a sense of belonging. However, sourcing ingredients, balancing work or study commitments, and adapting to restrictions— like firecracker bans —present hurdles. Many celebrate with puja at home, followed by temple visits and fireworks. Andhra expats also share Diwali with host communities, inviting friends to experience Indian culture through food and festivities, all while staying connected to loved ones over video calls.
In Texas, USA, G Alekhya, a software engineer from Hyderabad, says her family dedicates an entire day to Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and health. “Back home, Diwali is everywhere; every street, every home is filled with lights and colours. Here, we recreate that atmosphere in our own way,” she shares.
In London, several Telugu associations have planned large gatherings, with cultural programmes, dance performances, and traditional food stalls. These events have grown in popularity, providing a support network for new immigrants and long-time residents alike, making it feel more like home, said Ch Siva, a native of Bhongiri in Telangana.
Food, a significant part of Diwali, brings a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Many expats prepare traditional Andhra dishes, such as ariselu (rice flour-based sweet) and pulihora (tamarind rice). “Making these dishes connects us to our roots and gives our children a taste of Diwali we grew up with,” says Soniya Durgam, a native of Prakasam district, currently living in Springville, Australia.
However, sourcing ingredients can be challenging. In regions with limited access to Indian spices and ingredients, families rely on friends returning from India or online grocery stores specialising in Indian imports. Some have turned to growing small herb gardens on their balconies, with essentials like curry leaves and chillies that give true Andhra taste.
For working professionals and students, the demands of daily life often interfere with celebrating Diwali to its fullest. In Wisconsin, USA, G Sai Uday Akhil, a graduate student, talks about balancing coursework with his desire to celebrate, apart from his part-time job at a motel. “Diwali is usually around exam season, so it’s hard to go all out. Still, my friends and I gather in the evening for a small puja and some homemade sweets,” he said.
Akhil further added that in Milwaukee, a city in Wisconsin, firecrackers that make loud noise are banned in the residential area and are permitted only at a nearby Hindu temple.
Recalling his previous year’s Diwali experience, he said, “We all four roommates are from Telugu states and celebrate Diwali beginning with Lakshmi puja at our apartment, then go to the temple where we enjoy firecrackers, and wish our parents and family through a video call, which is the sad part during such major festivals, being away from home. It is when we miss our loved ones the most.”
The time zone differences also impact celebrations. While Diwali is celebrated at night in India, coordinating with family over video calls often means that overseas expats connect in the early morning or late at night, adjusting their schedules to feel part of the festivities back home.
In addition to maintaining their traditions, Andhra expats share the joy of Diwali with their host communities. In cities like New York and Toronto, they hold open celebrations where friends and neighbours from different backgrounds are invited to experience Diwali through food, fireworks, and cultural performances.
