Ever imagined swapping Mumbai’s chaotic charm for Dublin’s lush greenery right in the middle of a global pandemic? Well, that’s precisely what I did, and boy, has it been a rollercoaster ride!

Picture this: a 29-year-old Economics student from Mumbai, landing in Dublin with a suitcase full of dreams and an umbrella (because, Ireland). I hoped for a crazy campus life, but thanks to COVID-19, I settled for 15 inches of my laptop screen as my entire college experience. The only time I saw the face of the university was during graduation!

Having been a social butterfly, it took an arduous effort to develop my own small clique anew here. But, the real fun began when I joined the Marathi Mandal Ireland in 2023. Suddenly, I was part of a massive, welcoming community that felt like a home away from home. My extroverted, expressive self thrived here. Being no stranger to the stage I jumped at the chance to anchor the Geet Ramayan Program. Preparing for the show felt more like fun get-togethers rather than stressed out rehearsals. Standing there, microphone in hand, I felt a connection not just with the audience but with my roots too.

Then came the Dhol Tasha Group. Yep, you read that right. As a tabla player for over 10 years, I knew my beats well, and joining a Dhol Pathak, especially in Ireland made me feel immensely privileged yet also like a natural extension of my musical journey. Imagine the bewildered Irish faces who would walk past us as we practiced out in the open, nodding, tapping and dancing to our beats blending with the local folklore. It was a hilarious and heartwarming cultural fusion. I might have gotten a few blisters, but it is worth every beat!

Dublin’s charm and Mumbai’s hustle are worlds apart, but both are now integral parts of my story. The vibrant festivals here, backed by the incredible Marathi Mandal community, have kept the homesickness at bay. From celebrating Diwali with extra sparkles (thanks to the Irish rain) to dancing to Dhol Tasha rhythms, life here is a beautiful blend of cultures.

Who knew that moving to Ireland in the middle of a pandemic would lead to such an enriching, exciting chapter of my life? So here’s to more adventures, more beats, and a lot more fun in this incredible journey!

Sláinte! and Jay Maharashtra!