Growing up, my home was always alive with the vibrant traditions of Hindu rituals. I can still remember the scent of incense filling the air as my family gathered for pujas during Karva Chauth and Ganesh Chaturthi, or the excitement of tying a rakhi on Raksha Bandhan. Our celebrations spilled out of the house and into the community—at the local Ram Mandir and Hanuman Temple, where I’d join in distributing food, dancing, and performing in plays about Hindu stories passed down through generations. These moments weren’t just traditions; they were a way of life, a connection to something deeper, and they filled my childhood with joy and meaning. 

However, as I approached my 22nd birthday, after spending most of my life in the diverse suburb of Allen, Texas, I began to notice a subtle yet profound shift. My involvement in these lively community celebrations had gradually diminished, and before I knew it, I was visiting the temple less than once a year and only participating in major holidays like Holi and Diwali—if at all. This shift had gone unnoticed until a recent visit to my family in India rekindled my awareness of my rich cultural background. I believe this gradual drift from the vibrant cultural practices I once cherished highlights a broader challenge many second-generation Indians face in maintaining their cultural connections. It wasn’t a decline in my faith or a loss of identity, but rather a creeping disconnection from the daily practices that once defined my experience as a Hindu in America.

The disheartening reality is that I soon discovered I was not alone in feeling a growing disconnect. Conversations with my Hindu classmates at Baylor University, the wonderful Christian institution I attended in the heart of Waco, Texas, revealed that many of my friends shared this sense of estrangement. While we were actively involved in celebrating our culture through school events like Holi festivals, dance competitions, and traditional Indian fashion shows, I couldn’t help but wonder about the smaller, yet equally significant, traditions we once held dear.

Where were the weekly or nightly prayers, the regular visits to our local Hindu temple, or the home mandirs our parents had so dearly cherished? It was troubling to realize that only a few of us had even a single Hindu deity in our apartments or homes. This growing disconnection from the everyday practices that once defined our cultural identity was deeply unsettling.

So what has gone wrong?

Simply put, there is no one right answer to this question, and I’m sure everyone who shares my thoughts has their own version of this story. All I can truly do is share mine.

When I reflect on the different generations in my family, I see my grandparents as deeply religious and traditional, with my parents maintaining many of those customs. But my generation, growing up in the U.S., has seen rapid changes in how we engage with these traditions. I believe the most significant factor in this shift lies in the generational changes in community. According to Pew Research Center, “Hindus made up 79.8% of India’s 1.2 billion total inhabitants in the most recent census, conducted in 2011.” It’s easy to see why our grandparents, who were surrounded by a predominantly Hindu community, would be so involved and knowledgeable about the customs and traditions. Similarly, their children—our parents—would have been exposed to India’s culture from a young age. But when they immigrated abroad, some of that exposure was naturally diminished. Now, as second-generation immigrants in the United States, we’ve learned what we know about our Indian heritage from our parents. And it makes sense that, while we know some things, we don’t know everything. 

Secondly, I believe this cultural disconnect is more pronounced for Hindus living in America, where we are part of a multicultural society. Surrounded by people of different faiths—Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and others—there’s a lot of blending and assimilation. For instance, I celebrate Christmas—not for religious reasons, but because I enjoy the spirit of the season, the decorations, and gathering with friends and family. But what about my Hindu holidays? Why don’t I celebrate them with the same enthusiasm as I do holidays from other cultures? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying other traditions, but I also believe it’s essential to prioritize my own heritage. However, believing is one thing, but taking action is another.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, many Hindus have silently drifted away from their religion and culture. If we had discussed these feelings of disconnection earlier, I believe we could have supported one another—perhaps gone to the temple together or held small pujas at our apartments, keeping alive the traditions we grew up with. This is just my perspective, but I think open conversations about these challenges could foster a stronger cultural bond.

I could continue reflecting on what went wrong, but I’ll leave it here. Instead, I want to talk about how I’m working to bridge this gap through Lalli & Geeta, a faith-based fashion jewelry brand. I founded Lalli & Geeta to unite Hindus in America and around the globe, ensuring that we stay connected to our religion, culture, and traditions. The brand was born from my personal journey of reconnection, providing tangible symbols of our Hindu faith that we can wear daily, keeping our heritage close, even when far from home.

Some might think wearing everyday jewelry that represents our faith is insignificant, but I believe these small, visible reminders help people stay connected to their roots. At Lalli & Geeta, we design each piece with meaningful symbolism that reflects Hindu beliefs and traditions. Our Om necklaces and rings, for example, symbolize the sacred sound that embodies the universe and serve as reminders of inner peace and harmony.

Our mission is to make these symbols accessible and relevant to modern Hindus, ensuring traditions aren’t just celebrated on special occasions but woven into daily life. The jewelry serves as a reminder that no matter where life takes us, we’re part of a larger tradition that spans centuries, and it’s our responsibility to keep it alive.

In addition to creating jewelry, we engage with the community by donating a portion of the profits from our in-person sales at events to temples and organizations that support Hindu traditions. This initiative is central to our commitment to preserving our faith and culture for future generations.

I recognize that this narrative is deeply personal and may not reflect the experiences of all Hindus regarding their cultural traditions. However, for those who resonate with my sentiment, what do you believe are the driving factors behind this trend of losing touch with our culture and customs? C.S. Lewis aptly stated, “A sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on.” Identifying and accepting there is a problem is the first step in finding a solution.

Now that some of us have realized and acknowledged this gradual disconnect, what steps can we take to bridge the widening gap between life in America and our Hindu culture and traditions? It’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but initiating action is crucial. What are some practical measures we can adopt to reconnect with and sustain our cultural heritage?