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Celebrating heritage: Indian American youth navigating culture and values
From Garba nights in Dallas to family-only Diwali celebrations in Wisconsin, Indian-American youth are finding their own ways to preserve culture while adapting to Western life.
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Tejas - Fri, 15, Aug 2025
- 00:20 EDT
- 9
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Representative image / Canva
For many Indian-American youth, culture begins at home—with daily prayers, their mother tongue, and traditional food—but it doesn't end there. In areas with large Indian communities, traditions spill into everyday life through Garba nights, Diwali fireworks, and familiar languages and flavors. In smaller towns, where few share their background, preserving heritage becomes a more personal challenge, balancing identity with the world around them.
India Abroad spoke with youth from Texas, New Jersey, and Wisconsin about how they stay connected to their roots—and why they're proud of where they come from.
Large Cultural Hubs
In cities like Dallas and regions of New Jersey, Indian culture thrives beyond the home. Large Gujarati, Telugu, and Marathi communities have built organizations that help youth stay connected to their heritage.
Revant, a college student from Dallas, said, "I always start my day with a morning pooja; I was raised that way."
Crediting the community around him, he added, "There are so many organizations, such as the North American Telugu Association, whose members have the same beliefs; it doesn't make me feel different."
He noted that diversity within the community makes it easier to fit in. "The range of people who are religious or not and people who eat non-veg or veg food varies a lot, so you are not judged for eating habits, and you have the opportunity to follow your beliefs as you wish."
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Shyam, a student at Rutgers University, said his connection to culture came from stories of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat, which shaped his values of discipline and compassion. "These values helped him start Indian cultural clubs and keep our culture alive."
Disconnection Within
Even in areas with large Indian populations, some youth feel detached from their heritage. Pranav, a high school student in New Jersey, shared, "A lot of kids around me are Indian, but many are whitewashed and don't speak their language or celebrate festivals or do anything close to their Indian identity."
He added, "Sometimes language barriers come in the way and prevent teenagers like me to learn more about Indian festivals from others."
Being part of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) changed that for him. "It taught me more about who we are, and helped me appreciate the diversity within our own culture," he said.
Smaller Communities
In places with fewer Indians, preserving culture often requires extra effort. Arush, a teenager from Wisconsin, said, "We don't have a big Indian community here, so I just have to celebrate festivals with my family and a few other families who live in the area. It's important to stay connected with the few Indian kids in the area so you don't distance yourself from your identity."
Ehaan, a high school student from Wisconsin, emphasized his parents' role. "They taught me traditions, explaining the meaning behind them, and making sure we stayed rooted, even if there weren't many people around us doing the same."
Conclusion
From Garba nights in Dallas to family-only Diwali celebrations in Wisconsin, Indian-American youth are finding their own ways to preserve culture while adapting to Western life. Whether through large community events or quiet traditions at home, what unites them is a shared commitment to staying connected to their heritage.
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