Coming from an Indian household I have always questioned what it was like in India. As a seventeen-year-old who has never experienced the culture or the adventure of India, I was intrigued. Hearing stories created by family members, peers and teachers they presented the country as ‘not somewhere you would want to visit’, which made me extremely wary about my trip; however, one piece of advice I can give when travelling to a new country is don’t close yourself off, be open-minded.
On the day I landed I was hit with the reality that during the winter season India is quite cold, which conspired with the fantasy that the country is boiling or always over twenty degrees. As much as the weather surprised me, I was amazed by how accommodating the country is. The hospitality of the people was shocking, as being a Londoner kindness is quite rare. Also, not being able to fluently speak Gujarati I was still able to communicate with the locals and the staff in all the places I went to from shopping stores to the hotel. On the other hand, I need to warn you that visiting India you must be prepared to bring toilet roll wherever you go.
On the first day, I went to Vadtal (Gujarat) where I met new family members and the locals. Whilst siting in my grandfather’s house I was flabbergasted by how close the neighbours are, as entering each other’s homes to taking food is the norm. This closeness made me appreciate the relationships that are developed when there is peace. The event of neighbours visiting each other may seem minute but, living in a busy and chaotic country makes one realise and appreciate the awareness of others and evaluate relationships back home.
For the journey we went to visit temples (mandir), holy places, new family members, and as a treat we went on theme parks rides and watched different entertainment shows. This made me acknowledge that life is too short to wait for adventure, we need to seize it with both hands and cannot waste such remarkable chances. Even though visiting an unknown country is daunting the experiences and memories that you will create are treasured for life.
On an eight-hour car journey from Anand to Gondal, then to Gadhada to Sarangpur, we visited Hindu temples. This journey was long yet at every turn there was always wildlife that entertained us, as peacocks and monkeys would hustle and bustle their way into the spotlight. When visiting such temples, I found that the designs and architecture there was magnificent. Nearly all the mandirs I visited I saw workers carving the designs by hand. Every building was handmade, engraved by talented workers who dedicated their time and faith to design such stunning and detailed structures that everyone appreciates and blesses.
Embarking on this journey I saw the devotion people place within their hearts which to me is admiring, as families and strangers come together to celebrate not only religion but life itself. Gratitude and self-discipline are important in India, comparing the hardships one may face astounds an individual, the commitment and faith placed within strangers in profoundly commendable.
Coming back to London, I recollected on my trip to India. Originally, I had an expectation that it would be terrible but from the start of the journey to the end I have loved it so much and would go as far as, to say that I miss it. The overall experience has been overwhelming and mesmerising, as meeting family to visiting the most beautiful places, all felt surreal. Coming from London and being westernised, I value how privileged I am with the opportunities I have. India is a must add to a bucket list of places to visit.
