Longing For Community

Sankar—a young, single man—moved to Canada for work. He knew no one in his new city from his home state of Tamil Nadu. As Diwali approached, he visited a nearby Hindu temple hoping to feel at home. While he enjoyed the vibrant fireworks and festive atmosphere, a walk through the temple reminded him how unfamiliar the rituals were. This temple followed different Hindu traditions than the ones with which he had grown up.

Later that year, during the Christmas season, Sankar found himself curious about what Christians actually did for the holiday. His co-workers mainly talked about vacation plans, leaving him with little insight into the deeper meaning of the celebration.

On Pongal, one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest festivals held in mid-January, Sankar worked like it was any other day. That evening, he made a few traditional rice dishes and quietly ate them, alone in his apartment. As he sat there, the loneliness pressed in. 

He decided to ask his parents back home to begin looking for a wife—perhaps next year, he wouldn’t have to celebrate alone.

Festivals in the Hindu world are often full of joy: time off work, colorful decorations, new clothes, delicious food, gift exchanges, music, and dance. Many celebrations also center around honoring relationships. During Dashain, Nepali parents and elders bless their children. On Raksha Bandhan, siblings show their love by exchanging bracelets.

For many Hindus, affirming these relationships lies at the heart of each festival. And on those special days, Hindu immigrants often feel the absence of the community and connections they left behind.

Like the United States, Canada experienced a wave of Hindu immigration after changing its policies in 1976. Today, the Hindu population there continues to grow.