How I Celebrate New Year's: A Blend of Indian Traditions and UK Life

The Indian Way: Family and Tradition

New Year's celebrations in India vary from region to region, but for me, it has always been about family, food, and rituals. Traditionally, we celebrate Diwali, the Hindu New Year, but the global excitement around January 1 also means a fresh start, and I always look forward to ringing it in with my loved ones.

Back home, there is a big family dinner amid scrumptious foods: samosas, pulao, paneer tikka, and sweets such as Gulab jamun and kheer. These dishes have a meaning associated with them; sweets are to denote the sweetness of life, and saltier dishes are just to wish prosperity and a fortune filled year ahead. Of course, the whole evening is filled with fireworks and the sound of music and laughter. The air buzzes with excitement as families meet together to celebrate the advent of a new year.

Even though I'm now in the UK, these food traditions and the sense of family have remained close to my heart. I still try to keep the spirit alive, cooking some of my favourite dishes or sharing them with my friends here. It's my way of staying connected to my roots.

Celebrating in the UK: A New Year's Eve Twist

Being away from home on New Year's Eve can be a bit of a challenge. But as much as the familiar sounds of firecrackers and warmth of family mean to me, I have grown to embrace the celebration here in the UK. The British way of celebrating New Year's Eve especially the iconic London fireworks display is something I never imagined I'd experience.

Here in the UK, I usually celebrate with friends by either going out to watch the fireworks or hosting a small gathering at my place. It is such a great mix of cultures! We often start the evening by watching the Big Ben countdown, which is just so thrilling to see live, followed by a toast with sparkling wine or champagne at midnight. It's sort of a cultural mashup, but it's always fun and full of excitement!

The unique part of celebrating in the UK is the multiculturalism  people have been coming from all over the world, and it gives an opportunity to hear how everyone celebrates New Year's, either with fireworks, a special meal, or other customs. I love hearing about other cultures' unique traditions, and it makes me feel like I'm part of a global celebration.

Food: A Fusion of Indian Flavours and British Staples

As an Indian student in the UK, food always makes a huge part of my celebration. Be it not the whole typical Indian meal that we would have had back home, I try cooking some of my favourite dishes or go out to have lunch or dinner with my friends at some Indian restaurant. There's something so soothing when biryani, butter chicken, or chole bhature sound appealing when the weather outside is cold and actually makes me feel at home.

But I’ve also learned to love British New Year’s snacks—sausage rolls, fish and chips, and the ubiquitous pint of ale. It’s a strange but enjoyable fusion of Indian spice and British comfort food. Sometimes, I’ll even bring these two worlds together—serving both British nibbles and traditional Indian sweets at a party. It's always a hit!

Family: Connecting Across Continents

While I can't be with my family in India, technology has made it so much easier to stay connected. On New Year's Eve, I make sure to video call my parents, grandparents, and relatives to wish them a Happy New Year. It's not the same as celebrating together in person, but hearing their voices and sharing in the excitement of their celebrations helps bridge the gap.

It is as if I am still a part of that big family gathering even when miles away from home. We go over the past year that has gone by and what we look forward to in the new one; it's always emotional and an uplifting moment.

Reflection and Renewal: Embracing New Beginnings

Whether in India or the UK, the spirit of New Year's celebration is reflection and renewal. It is a time of reflection over the past year and thinking about new changes that need to be made for the coming year. To me, New Year's has more to do with growth: personal, academic. Being an international student, there's always a challenge in adjusting to a new culture, but there is also the opportunity for growth, making new friends, and experiencing life in a new country.

While I adore my family's traditions, I have learned to appreciate the different ways in which New Year's is celebrated here. It is a question of blending both worlds—keeping the old traditions alive while creating new memories in a new place. That's what makes this time of year so special.

A Blend of Cultures, A Year of Possibilities

So, whether I’m celebrating with a grand family meal in India or sharing a quiet moment with friends here in the UK, New Year’s is always a time of reflection, joy, and hope for the future. It’s about embracing the old and the new, keeping my cultural traditions alive while adapting to life in the UK. I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.

To all those reading this and away from home this New Year, wherever you are, the New Year brings with it the promise of new beginnings, personal growth, and great adventure. I wish you all a prosperous, happy, and fulfilling year ahead that is full of new experiences, growth, and happiness.