We Know Diwali is Desi Enough

Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas to everyone who celebrates. As Desi youth, many of us are used to our traditional celebrations with friends and family at home. Being away for college, especially at a predominantly white institution (PWI), can make the holiday feel isolating and lonely. Some of us find our groups and ways to celebrate away from home, while others really feel the discontent of not being able to completely celebrate a favorite holiday (especially when we have classes that day). How do we make our holidays away from our communities still feel desi and celebrated?