Life in the "Pardes" (The NRI Struggle)
This three-letter acronym is the most sought-after work visa for skilled Indian professionals in the United States.
H-1B
This 1995 blockbuster featuring Raj and Simran is the longest-running film in Indian cinema history.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
This "King of Fruits" is often exported from India to the diaspora in massive quantities during the summer.
Mango
This iconic white marble mausoleum in Agra was built as a testament of love for Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal
Known as the "Festival of Lights," this celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness.
Diwali
This bulk-buy retailer is where Desi families abroad go to stock up on 20lb bags of Basmati rice and massive boxes of mangoes.
Costco
This actor, known as the "King of Bollywood," made his debut in the 1992 film Deewana.
Shah Rukh Khan
This South Indian fermented crepe is often a staple breakfast for NRIs visiting "Saravana Bhavan" locations worldwide.
Dosa
This color is traditionally considered the most auspicious for Indian brides to wear on their wedding day.
Red
This "Festival of Colors" celebrates the arrival of spring with vibrant powders and water.
Holi
This term, often used playfully, describes first-generation Indian-Americans who are caught between two cultures.
ABCD (American-Born Confused Desi)?
In the legendary film Sholay, Veeru proposes to Basanti while standing atop this specific structure.
water tank
This yogurt-based drink, often flavored with mango or rose, is considered the most popular traditional Indian smoothie.
Lassi
Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," this city is the country's primary IT hub
Bengaluru
In Hindu mythology, this elephant-headed deity is known as the "Remover of Obstacles".
Lord Ganesha
As of 2025, this Indian bank recently launched a "Global Savings Account" for NRIs to hold USD and EUR earnings in one place.
IDFC First Bank
This filmmaker is famous for his signature style involving Switzerland, white saris, and high-stakes romance.
Yash Chopra
This spice, known in English as Asafoetida, is essential for a "tadka" but notorious for its strong raw smell.
Hing
This bird, associated with the goddess Lakshmi, is the national bird of India
Peacock
This epic battle in Hindu mythology lasted for exactly 18 days
Mahabharata
To maintain Permanent Residency (PR) in most Western countries, you generally cannot stay outside the country for more than this many consecutive months.
6 months
This was the first Indian film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Mother India
This specific dessert was invented in the royal kitchens of a South Indian palace and is named after that city.
Mysore Pak
As of 2025, India holds the global record for the largest network of these, with over 150,000 across the country.
Post Offices
This Kerala festival is famous for its elaborate boat races and "Pookalam" flower carpets.
Onam