Festivals in India are a vibrant tapestry of colors, traditions, and joyous celebrations that bring families and friends together. These joyous occasions are often marked by the traditions of gift-giving, symbolising love, respect, and gratitude for one another. But what happens if the person you want to gift is overseas? The distance can make it challenging to share the festive spirit.
Sending presents abroad can be daunting. Often, the person who is sending the gift has valid concerns about timely delivery, customs clearance, and whether their packaging can keep the gift safe during transit. This is where DHL Express steps in as a facilitator of festive cheer, offering international shipping from India for individuals and retail businesses to bridge distances and make celebrations feel more inclusive.
Celebrating diversity: Understanding Indian festivals
India is home to a number of traditions and festivals, each with its unique traditions and stories. Here are a few notable ones:
- Diwali: Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of diyas, bursting of fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. In North India, it focuses on the victory of Lord Rama, while in South India, it commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
- Holi: This festival of colors involves playful splashing of colored powders and water, accompanied by festive foods and sweets. It symbolizes the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
- Eid: Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid is celebrated with feasting and gifting. It is a time for family gatherings and sharing meals, reflecting the values of generosity and community.
- Pongal: A harvest festival primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Pongal involves cooking a special dish of the same name and decorating homes with kolams (decorative patterns drawn on the floor).
- Bihu: Celebrated in Assam, Bihu is a vibrant festival marked by dance, music, and feasting. It signifies the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the harvest season.
- Lohri: This Punjabi festival involves bonfires, singing, and dancing to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. It is traditionally associated with the harvest of sugarcane.
- Bogi Pandigai: Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Bogi Pandigai marks the beginning of the harvest season. Homes are cleaned, old items are discarded, and people celebrate with feasts and traditional songs.
These festivals in India are celebrated differently across regions and communities, showcasing the diversity of Indian cultural practices. Despite the differences in how each festival is celebrated, the common thread is the joy, unity, and sense of belonging they foster. These celebrations bring people together, making them an essential part of India's cultural landscape. For Indians living abroad, taking part in Indian traditions and celebrating these festivals helps them stay connected to their roots and maintain a link to home.
Gifts that cross borders: Common festive goods
During these festive times, certain gifts hold significant cultural and emotional value, connecting loved ones across long distances. These are some of the items commonly found in Indian holiday season shipping lists.
Traditional sweets
- Ladoos: These round, sweet treats made from flour, sugar, and ghee are a staple during festivals like Diwali and Holi. Their rich flavor and symbolic value make them a beloved gift.
- Barfi: This dense, milk-based sweet is often decorated with edible silver leaf and comes in various flavors, including almond, pistachio, and coconut.
- Homemade delicacies: Special sweets and snacks prepared at home carry a personal touch and are cherished by recipients, particularly those who live far from home.
Ethnic wear
- Sarees: These elegant, six-yard garments are a popular gift during festivals like Diwali and Eid. They come in various fabrics, including silk, cotton, and chiffon, each suited to different occasions and tastes.
- Kurta pyjamas: These traditional outfits for men are comfortable and stylish, often worn during celebrations and religious ceremonies.
Religious items
- Diyas: These small oil lamps are essential during Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. They are often gifted to bring light and positivity to homes.
- Idols: Statues of deities like Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Krishna are gifted to invoke blessings and prosperity.
Decorations
- Lanterns: Bright and colorful, these lanterns are used to adorn homes and streets, adding a festive glow.
- Rangolis: These decorative floor patterns made from colored powders, flowers, or rice are an integral part of many festivals. Kits for creating rangolis are popular gifts.
- Colorful string lights: These lights illuminate homes during festivals, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Puja thalis: These plates, used for making offerings during religious ceremonies, often include a diya, incense holder, and small bowls for roli and rice.
These gifts serve as a tangible connection to Indian traditions for those living abroad. For instance, sending homemade sweets to USA from India allows families to share the festive spirit despite geographical distances. These acts of sharing and gifting play a crucial role in preserving traditions and fostering a sense of community among Indians globally.
Specialised international gift delivery services like DHL's Festival Express ensure that shipping packages during festive periods is hassle-free and reliable, making it easier to send gifts internationally.
Bridging distances with DHL Festival Express services
DHL Festival Express is a specialised service provided by DHL Express, designed to cater to the unique needs of customers during festive seasons. This service focuses on ensuring that festive goods and gifts reach their international destinations safely, timely, and with special care. Here are some key features of DHL Festival Express:
- Discounted shipping rates: During festive periods, DHL Festival Express offers significant discounts on international shipping from India, making it more affordable for individuals and businesses to send gifts abroad. For instance, in 2024, retail customers could get up to 50% discount on international shipments.
- Special packaging: The service includes special packaging options to protect delicate items like sweets, diyas, and handmade crafts, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
- Expedited shipping: DHL Festival Express offers expedited shipping to ensure that gifts reach their recipients in time for the celebrations, even during peak holiday seasons.
- Customs handling: DHL Festival Express handles customs clearance, minimising delays and ensuring a smooth delivery process.
- Complete shipment visibility: Customers receive proactive updates via SMS and email, providing peace of mind with detailed tracking information.
- Global reach: reliable and efficient international gift delivery anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re shipping sweets from India to a loved one in the USA, sending a carefully selected saree to a family member in the UK, or sending festive gifts to anywhere in the world, DHL Festival Express ensures your packages are delivered with care and efficiency. For more information about this service or to take advantage of the current offers, customers can call DHL Express’ Toll-Free number 1800 209 1345 or SMS DHL to 56161.
Celebrate Indian traditions worldwide with DHL Festival Express
Know someone who lives abroad who would love a festive gift? The next festive holiday, keep the spirit of celebration alive by sending them thoughtful presents with DHL Express. Stay connected with your loved ones and celebrate together no matter the distance. DHL Festival Express services makes these moments possible and meaningful by offering reliable and efficient international courier services.
