What presents to take to India for Diwali?
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My Boomer Tips
I'm going to Delhi for Diwali to meet my boyfriend's family (he is Indian). I met his mother before, but this time I will meet his whole family in what is also my first trip to India. I will be staying in their house and would like to bring them some gifts (this is appropriate, isn't it?). What would be best to give them in this situation (for his mother, sister and grandmother (his father passed away)).
Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
a loofah and a bar of soap
I studied abroad last fall/winter term in India, so I’ve gotten to experience Diwali already! My host family really enjoyed anything that connected directly to me and where I was from (I brought them a photo album of my family and a historical book of photographic collections of nyc). If your boyfriend has younger siblings, I suggest you get fireworks once there– even though they are technically illegal, you can find them anywhere and EVERYONE shoots them off the entire night. Also, any type of incense/candle/statuette of their favorite god that they will pay homage to during this festival is a safe bet. Diwali is also a feast of bounty and often devout Hindus are pictured sending baskets of fruits/vegetables/other offerings down the Ganges River to the gods. The Indian people are very welcoming and festive- you might want to see if you can get a decorated sari to celebrate. Have fun!
Gold….You’ll be an instant hit, trust me…