East Indians Culture

The East Indians Culture

The arrival of East Indians in the Caribbean dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when indentured laborers were brought to work on sugar estates under harsh conditions. After slavery was abolished in 1834 and full freedom was granted in 1838, plantation owners struggled to find workers, leading to the creation of the indentureship system, which required laborers to commit to five-year contracts. Over time, growing criticism from Indian activists led to its abolition in 1917, but many East Indians remained in the Caribbean, establishing themselves as farmers, artisans, and business owners, leaving a lasting cultural and economic impact on Belize.

East Indian cuisine is rich in spices and tradition, with dishes like curry biryani, roti, and samosas bringing communities together. Sweets like laddus and halwa symbolize joy, and food remains central to celebrations like Diwali and weddings.

In East Indian culture, clothing reflects religion, tradition, and identity. Men wear kurta pajamas daily and sherwanis or dhotis for ceremonies. Women opt for salwar kameez for everyday comfort, while weddings feature lehenga cholis, adorned with bright colors.

Belizean music blends Garifuna, African, Creole, and Caribbean rhythms, creating a diverse sound. While East Indians don’t have a distinct musical tradition today, they introduced instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and tabla, enriching local music.

Most East Indians follow Hinduism, though some have embraced Christianity. While Hindu temples are rare in Belize, families keep traditions alive through home shrines and rituals honoring deities like Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Through our interview and TikTok/podcast, we explored how East Indian heritage is evolving. Our TikTok showcased the rich colors and contributions of East Indian culture in Belize, exploring clothing, food, history, and music. The fact of today remains that as older generations pass, younger East Indians in Belize are finding creative ways, especially through TikTok, to share and preserve their cultural traditions.

East Indians have shaped Belize through agriculture, cuisine, economy, and storytelling, also introducing rice farming, spices, and iconic dishes like roti and tarcari dishes. Many became entrepreneurs, strengthening Belize's economy while keeping traditions alive through festivals and history.

Culture isn’t just about history—it’s a living identity that evolves with each generation. By continuing traditions in food, celebrations, and storytelling, East Indians ensure their heritage remains a vital part of Belize’s diverse cultural landscape. We keep this culture alive through its younger generations' creativity and dedication.

Link:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGnSnyou04/h0iH6q-OClNvTc-7C9AaxQ/edit?utm_content=DAGnSnyou04&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Editors: Leon Liang, Jayden Stephen, Lucian Wade, and Mikah Neal (Class 2C)