Five Colorful Ways of Staying Grounded in Bengali Culture Outside Home

For Bengalis overseas—whether in Canada’s cosmopolitan terrain, the US’s multi-cultured frontiers, the UK’s quaint antiquity, or elsewhere—staying strong with the feeling of belonging to our rich cultural heritage is a source of joy, identity, and pride. Even when miles of distance lie between us and the green pastures of Bengal, our culture, tongue, and traditions can blossom day by day and create a fabric of belonging wherever we are. 

The following are five soothing and affectionate ways of holding on to the spirit of Bengal overseas:

1. Celebrate Bengali Festivals With Passion

Bengali festivals such as Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Poila Boishakh, and Rabindra Jayanti are not events alone—these are lively celebrations with people, religion, and joy. Celebrate with local Bengali groups or cultural societies in your town. If these don’t exist in your local area, host your own celebratory parties at home with family and friends. Decorate your abode with traditional trappings, dress in a saree or kurta, and fill the air with thumping Bengali music. Virtual pujas and live cultural performances broadcast from India and Bengali diaspora communities can now be enjoyed because of technology, and taking the festive joy to your doorstep is now made simple.

Tip: Organize a potluck with authentic Bengali food, play traditional Rabindra Sangeet, and include the younger generations so that the traditions are passed on with passion and love.

2. Cultivate the Bengali Language at Home

Bengali language is the heart and soul of our culture, a sweet string which keeps us connected to our roots. Make it a habit to communicate in Bangla at home, especially among children, so that the language will be strong and healthy. Watch Bengali movies with Satyajit Ray movies or new releases, listen to Bengali songs, and read Bangla newspapers on online news websites like Anandabazar Patrika, Bartaman, or Ei Samay. Have children learn to read and write Bangla—it is an excellent way to bond closely with one’s roots.

Bonus: Applications like “Learn Bangla” or online teachers are enjoyable ways of learning the language, and learning is enjoyable for children and adults alike.

3. Share and Enjoy Bengali Food

Bengali food is a love letter to our culture, each dish a story of taste and tradition. From the delicate warmth of shorshe ilish to the velvety luxury of chingri malai curry, or from the rustic simplicity of luchi-alur dom, preparing these at home is accompanied by the fragrance of nostalgia and warmth. Do it by inviting Bengali-style dinner parties at home for friends, neighbors, or the office workers, and acquaint them with the miracle of beguni or mishti doi.

Idea: Organize a monthly Bengali recipe club with friends or share cooking expeditions on social media to encourage others and connect with fellow foodies.

4. Explore Bengali Art, Literature, and Music

The cultural richness of Bengal is yet another secret treasure waiting to be unearthed. Get enchanted in the timeless, beautiful poems of Rabindranath Tagore, the revolutionary music of Kazi Nazrul Islam, or Satyajit Ray’s eternal films. Go back to ancient Bengali temples, magnificent Bengal palaces, or Indian space architecture of the future. Listen to new Bengali music or get introduced to new Bengali artists who shatter creative boundaries. Participate in virtual book readings, online theater performances, or Rabindra Sangeet evenings conducted by Bengali diaspora communities across the globe. Not only will they boost your morale but also keep your cultural flames burning.

Don’t Miss: Join online events or attend local cultural organizations hosting performances, discussions, or exhibitions to be part of Bengal’s cultural universe. 

5. Connect With The Global Bengali Diaspora

Getting linked with other Bengalis across the globe unlocks a flood of feelings of belonging and oneness. Befriend Bengali artists, writers, and cultural Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube profiles. Engage in online forums, podcasts, or Zoom sessions on Bengali identity, foreign residence, or country pride for our culture. Groups such as the Bengali Cultural Society of Toronto or the North America Bangla Convention are energetic environments to socialize, discuss thoughts, and bask in our common heritage.

Look For: Search for hashtags such as #BengaliDiaspora or #BengaliCulture and see what supporting voices and events resonate with your experience.

Final Thoughts: Holding Bengal Close to Your Heart

Missing Bengal is not a departure from Bengal, but an opportunity to carry its spirit with you in new and creative terms. By adopting these practices for yourself, you not only build your own relationship with your heritage but also are part of the rich diversity of Bengali culture living on and on for generations to come. Or is it the aroma of a Bengali home-cooked meal, the beat of a Rabindra Sangeet song, or the feel of a festival that is beyond one’s place of birth, Bengal is always a beat that never dies.

What’s your unique way of keeping Bengal close while being abroad? Post your experience, tradition, or happy memories below in the comments or tag us @BengalWorld to be a part of the global celebration of our heritage.