Today we got to experience a Teej celebration, and it was honestly so beautiful. There was so much talent in the room, from the dancing and drumming to the beautiful outfits and henna. I found myself just sitting and taking everything in because I felt so grateful to be able to experience something so special and meaningful. I’m pretty sure I was smiling the whole time.
After the celebration, my heart felt so full. There was such a warm and joyful energy in the room, and it was really special to see everyone coming together to celebrate. I felt so lucky to be welcomed into the celebration and to be able to participate and dance with the women. The “Miss Teej” henna on my hand made this experience feel even more meaningful. When the student first wrote it on my hand, I didn’t fully understand it, but now I honestly see it as more than just henna. It almost felt like an invitation to peek through a small window into Indian women’s culture and experience something that I would never be able to fully understand just by reading about it. Having those words written on my hand made me feel like I was being welcomed into something that was not necessarily mine, but that I was being trusted to experience, appreciate, and learn from. That feeling meant a lot to me.
It feels really amazing to be part of these cultural experiences while being in India. I am learning that some of the most meaningful moments of this trip are the moments where we are invited to participate in something. I feel so grateful for the students and faculty who have welcomed us so warmly and allowed us to experience these parts of their culture. I have also been thinking about how important this is for me as a social work student. Cultural competency is not just about learning facts about another culture, but being willing to listen, be curious, and recognize that I will never fully understand someone’s culture from the outside. Sometimes I need to step back and let other people teach me. Being part of the celebration gave me a small glimpse into the traditions, joy, and strong relationships within Indian women’s culture. I think it also reminded me that culture can be such an important source of connection, identity, belonging, and strength.
The henna on my hand may fade, but the meaning behind it will not. This is definitely a memory I will carry with me long after the henna on my hands is gone.