Indian culture is renowned for its diverse traditions and customs that are rooted in the country’s rich history and heritage. One of the most significant aspects of Indian culture is the exchange of gifts during festive occasions.

Whether it is a wedding, a festival, or a religious ceremony, gift-giving plays an essential role in building and strengthening social bonds. This practice of exchanging gifts has also found its way into the Indian diasporic communities across the globe, including Australia and the USA. 

Rose is equally important in diasporic community globally 

The Indian diasporic communities in Australia and the USA celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, and Eid, among others.

These festivals provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage, and the exchange of gifts is an integral part of these celebrations. 

In India, the tradition of giving gifts is deeply ingrained in the culture. Indians believe that giving gifts is a way of showing love, respect, and appreciation to their friends and family.

The types of gifts exchanged in India vary depending on the occasion, the recipient, and the budget. Some of the popular gifts in India include clothing, jewelry, sweets, dry fruits, and other food items, home decor items, and electronics. 

However, when it comes to Indian communities living abroad, the choice of gifts often changes, depending on the availability and accessibility of the items.

For instance, Indians living in Australia and the USA often opt for gifts that are easily transportable and do not require special handling.

This is because many of these communities travel frequently to visit their family and friends in India and want to carry the gifts with them. 

One of the most popular gifts exchanged by Indians in diasporic communities across Australia and the USA is roses. Roses are considered a symbol of love and are often used to express one’s feelings towards a loved one.

The popularity of roses can be attributed to their availability and affordability, making them an ideal gift for any occasion.

Roses are also easy to transport and can be easily included in a bouquet or a floral arrangement. 

What factors determine the choice of rose as gifts  

However, while roses are a popular gift, they are not always the most valuable. In India, the value of a gift is often determined by its cost, quality, and sentimental value.

For instance, a gold necklace or a diamond ring is considered a more valuable gift than a bouquet of roses, regardless of the occasion. Similarly, a handmade gift or a personalized item is often more cherished than a generic gift. 

In contrast, the value of a gift in diasporic communities in Australia and the USA is often determined by its practicality and usefulness.

Many people living abroad often opt for gifts that can be used in everyday life, such as kitchen appliances, clothing, or gadgets. This is because such gifts serve a practical purpose and are often more appreciated by the recipient. 

Gifts as a way of maintaining connectedness in the diasporic community  

Despite the differences in the value of gifts, the act of gift-giving remains an important part of Indian culture, both at home and abroad.

For Indians living abroad, the exchange of gifts serves as a way to stay connected to their cultural roots and to maintain their ties with their friends and family back home.

It also provides an opportunity for them to share their cultural traditions with their friends and colleagues from other communities. 

Rose and Indian culture grow together 

The exchange of gifts is an essential part of Indian culture, and this tradition has been carried forward by the diasporic communities across the globe, including Australia and the USA.

While the choice of gifts may vary depending on the occasion, the recipient, and the budget, the sentiment behind gift-giving remains the same – to show love, respect, and appreciation towards others.

Whether it is a bouquet of roses or a gold necklace, a gift is a way of expressing one’s feelings and strengthening social bonds, which is at the heart of Indian culture both at home and outside.