KARISHMA DIPA

I GREW up in a somewhat traditional Hindu household and from an early age grew accustomed to its practices, customs and rituals. But after 32 years on planet Earth, I would say that my true heritage is much more multifaceted than that. This is something that my extended family from my mother’s side has had a huge influence on.

We are a massive and close-knit family. And through the decades, our family kept expanding and with it, brought an array of cultures and heritages. My cousins, whom I consider siblings, are all different religions.

Some are Hindu, some Muslim, others Christian and there are even Tamils.

We all lived relatively close to each other as youngsters and had at least six in the same school at the same time. We were each other’s best friends and this meant we lived this life and went through so many experiences together. We have celebrated Diwali and Eid, and Christmas is our family’s favourite day together, even though not many of us are Christian. We get dressed up, pray and then feast in celebration.

I have also been personally involved in different cultural and religious events, and have been to so many different churches and temples. I was a maid of honour to my Christian best friend and I am a godmother to my gorgeous nieces, both something that is not usually practised in Hinduism.

And apart from religion, my family are also multiracial as the continuous expansion of our unit has seen the welcome of many of my brothers- and sisters-in-law from all races.

I know that this has all strengthened my family as we embrace so many different backgrounds. We have thrived in diversity. And for me personally, it has allowed me to think outside my Hindu household, be more open-minded and so much more in touch with others and the different ways they choose to live their lives. I am so grateful for how this has shaped my own life and mindset.

I now identify as so much more that just an Indian Hindu girl. I am also the proud aunt of so many nieces and nephews who are from different religions and races and it is such a blessing to watch them grow up just as we did. Long may that continue!

Dipa is social media manager and content producer