All the experiences of our lives make us who we are. It doesn't matter how far we go, we should never forget where we came from.
My great-grandparents were from India; they made the long and grueling journey to seek a better life for their family as indentured workers in Trinidad. They may have left their native country but they brought with them their Indian culture which they continued to upkeep throughout their life. It was their connection to the land of their birth.
Growing up in Trinidad allowed me to live in a place where there was acceptance of many different people and cultures. Everyone celebrated their cultural and religious festivals with each other. Trinidad continues to be like a beautiful fabric woven with different colors of thread. I am grateful for all the beautiful memories of my childhood.
I continue to celebrate the culture of my ancestors as my way of remembering them, to express my gratitude to them, and as a way of paying tribute to their sacrifices and their contributions to bring me to who I am and where I am now.
Their culture is my culture. It is my connection to them and to the land of my birth. It doesn't matter where I am or where I go or even if I can only celebrate in the simplest way I will continue to celebrate that connection; I will always remember.
If you are reading this post, may light always brighten your path and bring you joy! And, to all those who celebrate, Happy Diwali!
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