The International Fair is one of my favorite events here at Darlington, and is a perfect way to celebrate the diversity of our school. The preparation, selection of outfits, cooking food, and gathering things to display is always so exciting. The fair also gives me an opportunity to dig deeper into my cultural background and learn more to share. My culture is an important part of my identity, and I really love sharing the food, religious aspects, outfits, celebrations and more that make it, and my country, special. Along with this, I always look forward to the chance to see all of the unique cultures of our school come together at once.
It’s important to me to share my culture with my classmates and the Darlington Community because I’ve seen that everyone appreciates learning about my country just as much as I enjoy sharing it. It’s especially amazing how interested the students of the lower grades are in the displays of each country, and I love answering the many questions I receive about our society. The exchange of knowledge that takes place each year at the fair about the heritage of all of the students at Darlington gives everyone an opportunity to appreciate the diversity at our school, and what great things each culture can offer.
My family moved to America from India 15 years ago. Coming from a culturally rich, tradition-following family, I have grown up adapting to the practices and celebrations of the country I live in, while also following the customs of my Indian heritage. This gives me a sense of curiosity towards the values and practices of other cultures. This fair, along with other events at Darlington, gives the international students a platform to share this curiosity. One’s values, lifestyle and religious beliefs are based off of their cultural heritage. Accepting and taking interest in different cultures is essential in an increasingly diverse country like the United States. When you understand one’s culture, it makes it easier to build a relationship with them when you recognize the values that distinguish their perspectives and ideas.
One of my favorite parts of the International Fair is putting bindis (forms of decorations/red dots commonly worn by Hindu women on the center of the forehead) on all of the girls in attendance. One of the main things that makes Indian outfits unique is the bright colors and patterns with traditional embroidered motifs.
Some of the main festivities that Hindus celebrate during the year include Uttarayan (“the Festival of Kites”), Holi (“the Festival of Colors and Joy”), Diwali (“the Festival of Lights”), and Navratri (“the Dance Festival”). Many of our festivities fall on different dates each year because they are based on the lunar calendar. One of the most amazing things about India is that there are 29 distinct states and 22 distinctly written and spoken languages, with Hindi being the official common language. Each of these states have their own traditional festivities, along with the main celebrations.
Every year at the International Fair, I get to learn more and more about other countries and their culture, and I’m so thankful to be at a school with so much wonderful diversity that gives me this amazing learning experience.
Click here to see more photos from the International Fair.
