Studying MBBS in Georgia has become increasingly popular among Indian students due to affordable fees, globally recognized universities, and a multicultural environment. One of the most important aspects of student life abroad is cultural connectivity, and festivals play a major role in keeping students emotionally connected to their roots. Indian festivals, celebrated in hostels and campuses across Georgia, offer students a sense of home and community while fostering cultural exchange with international peers.
Festivals are not just about rituals and traditions; they also offer a psychological and social anchor for students living far from home. For Indian MBBS students, celebrating festivals in Georgia brings several benefits:
Living in a foreign country can be challenging, especially during festive seasons when students naturally think of family celebrations back home. Celebrating festivals in Georgia helps alleviate homesickness and builds emotional resilience.
Festivals bring together students from different batches, creating a sense of unity and community. They offer opportunities to socialize, make friends, and build networks that can last beyond university life.
International peers often participate in Indian festival celebrations, learning about Indian culture, cuisine, and traditions. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and enriches the multicultural experience of studying in Georgia.
Indian students in Georgia actively celebrate major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Indian New Year. While celebrations may differ slightly from home due to resource availability, the spirit of each festival is maintained.
Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, holds special significance for students abroad.
Students decorate hostels and common areas with diyas (small oil lamps), fairy lights, and rangoli patterns made from colored powders or flowers. Some universities organize official Diwali events with cultural programs, music, and dance performances.
Sharing traditional sweets like ladoos, barfis, and jalebis is an integral part of Diwali. Students often pool resources to prepare or order sweets, creating a festive atmosphere similar to India.
Some universities encourage students to perform traditional dances like Garba or Bollywood-style group performances. These activities not only entertain but also give students a sense of belonging and pride in their culture.
Holi is another popular festival celebrated by Indian students in Georgia, typically in March.
Students organize color parties in open spaces, gardens, or hostel courtyards, using organic, skin-safe colors. Water balloons and color powders are used to celebrate playfully, replicating the joy of Holi back home.
Holi celebrations often include Bollywood music, drums, and group dances, creating a vibrant and energetic environment. These events are sometimes joined by international students, giving them firsthand exposure to Indian festive customs.
Holi also involves sharing food like gujiyas, thandai, and other festive snacks. Collaborative cooking and food sharing strengthen community bonds and make the festival memorable.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to honor the bond between brothers and sisters, even in the absence of family.
Students often organize Raksha Bandhan within hostels by exchanging rakhis and small gifts among friends, treating them like siblings. This symbolic gesture helps maintain cultural continuity despite being away from home.
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan provides emotional comfort, reminding students of their families and childhood memories. Many students also use video calls to include their real siblings in the celebration.
Apart from major pan-Indian festivals, students also celebrate regional festivals based on their home states.
Students from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal organize small events to celebrate Pongal, Ugadi, and Durga Puja. These events often include traditional attire, music, and regional cuisine.
Many universities have cultural clubs that support these celebrations by providing venues, decorations, and sometimes sponsorship. This support helps international students maintain cultural continuity and share traditions with peers.
Organizing festivals in Georgia requires planning, collaboration, and community involvement.
Hostel wardens and student councils often facilitate the organization of festivals. They provide resources such as common halls, sound systems, and permission for decorations. Their support ensures that festivals are celebrated safely and efficiently.
Since students live on limited budgets, collaborative pooling of resources is common. Food, decorations, and event materials are shared to minimize costs and maximize participation.
International students often get involved in Indian festival celebrations, sometimes assisting in cooking, decoration, or event management. Their participation promotes cultural exchange and broadens global awareness.
Through participation, international peers gain insight into Indian traditions, food habits, and rituals. This interaction enhances mutual respect and global understanding among students.
While celebrating festivals abroad brings joy, there are some challenges students face.
Some ingredients for traditional dishes or sweets may not be readily available in Georgia. Students often improvise with locally available substitutes while trying to maintain authenticity.
Not all hostels or universities have large spaces for grand celebrations. Students must coordinate with authorities and plan events within permissible areas and timings.
MBBS is a demanding course, and students sometimes have exams or clinical rotations around festive seasons. Balancing studies and celebrations requires careful planning.
Despite challenges, Indian students in Georgia find creative ways to celebrate festivals joyfully.
Planning events in advance ensures participation, resource availability, and smooth execution of festival activities.
Working together with fellow students and including international peers enhances enjoyment and cultural understanding.
While trying to replicate home traditions, students often adapt celebrations to suit local conditions, weather, and available resources, making the experience unique yet authentic.
Celebrating Indian festivals in MBBS in Georgia offers students a sense of belonging, emotional comfort, and cultural continuity. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and regional celebrations provide opportunities for social bonding, cultural exchange, and stress relief amidst rigorous medical studies. Despite being far from home, Indian students creatively adapt and organize celebrations that keep traditions alive, ensuring that the spirit of Indian culture thrives in an international setting. These celebrations not only strengthen emotional resilience but also enhance interpersonal skills, community building, and cross-cultural awareness, enriching the overall student experience in Georgia.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English