In the ever-vibrant Indian Expats Facebook group, a simple question led to a flood of nostalgia, laughter, and identity: “What’s one desi thing you’ll never give up, no matter where you live?”
The answers were pure gold.
Some replies were grounded in tradition. Users proudly declared their refusal to let go of their sanskar—those deeply embedded cultural values passed down generations. Others spoke of religious rituals that continue to shape their daily routines—be it lighting a diya in the morning, or observing fasts even in the busiest of Western cities.
Then came the delightfully desi quirks:
"Keeping plastic bags inside plastic bags." An eternal Indian hack, now crossing borders and continents.
"Putting a lemon under a new vehicle." Because evil eye has no visa restrictions.
"Wearing nighties all day—if I’m not stepping out, what’s the harm?" wrote one woman, channeling every desi mom/auntie ever.
"Can’t give up on biryani or kebabs." Because food is not just nourishment—it’s identity.
The post turned into a warm, hilarious, and touching thread—a mini archive of how Indians abroad continue to nurture the habits, beliefs, and oddities that tie them to home.
Keeping India Alive—One Habit at a Time
It’s more than just refusing to give up certain foods or household customs. These acts, however small or silly they may seem, reflect something much deeper. In a world where everything feels foreign—language, weather, people—these habits become a safe space. They are a way of recreating India in a new land, anchoring one's identity in the familiar.
From using pressure cookers at 6 a.m., to insisting that guests eat something even when they say “no,” to playing Lata Mangeshkar songs on Sundays—these are not just routines, they’re rituals of remembrance.
The Emotional Geography of Being Desi Abroad
Living in another country often brings with it a subtle, persistent ache—a longing for the chaotic comfort of home. These little desi things, whether it's the smell of ghee in the kitchen or the insistence on walking barefoot in the house, help fill that emotional gap. They create a mini India in apartments from New Jersey to New Zealand.
Conclusion
So, what’s the one desi thing you’ll never give up?
Whether it's your spiritual practices, your spice cabinet, or your trusty drawer full of plastic bags, these fragments of home speak volumes. They remind us that identity is not just a passport—it’s a plate of biryani, a bedtime aarti, and yes, a lemon under a new Honda.
Because no matter where we go, India travels with us—in our habits, in our homes, and in our hearts.