Asian Pacific American Heritage Series: Desi

KAVITA PIPALIA:

Namaste (greeting to you all)

Desi- what does it mean? Where is the origin?  It is from three countries, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Desi people spread all over the world. How did they come to America? Spices. They are famous and they are used every day. Spices was a part of global trading and came in ships to New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, spreading over the United States. Chicago, too. The largest Desi community are in New York, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. They are originally “Desi” people. They speak different languages, yes. Pakistan's language is Urdu. Bangladesh’s language is the same as Pakistan’s. The majority of Indians speak the Hindi language. My family speak Gujerati. It is from Gujarat state in the west of India. That is where my family came from. I was born and grew up in Kolkata (shows sign). Notice the clothing types in India. I am wearing Salwar Kameez. This type is popular. I have a churidar (scarf) but am not using it as I am signing. 

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Indian, Pakistani and Bangaldesh people in America wear do Indian clothing. There are different types such as Sari, Kurta and Salwar Kameez. The most popular and modern is Lehenga, which is long skirts and they are popular. 

As for the food, you will notice there are several different foods in India in different regions.  In Kolkata, a popular street food is Puchka ( Pani Puri). Massala Moodi and Samosa. In south India, you will notice Dosa and seafood. In the west India area a popular street food is Sev Puri, Bhel Puri and Pav Bhaji. In the North region- butter chicken and thick bread. Indian, Pakistani and Bangaldesh people do eat meat, both in America and in those countries. It depends on their religious beliefs on whether they are vegetarian or non vegetarian.