When someone looks at this picture, they can hardly guess that it is California, USA. But why does it matter? This picture encapsulates a compelling message about the emerging cultural landscapes in the US, the ones created by immigrants. We are looking at two American girls, both 9 years old, whose parents are immigrants from Nepal. These girls are neither fluent in Nepali nor very familiar with Nepali culture. But they are wearing their traditional ethnic dress and heading towards a Hindu temple at Livermore to perform a cultural ritual called Gunyo Cholo. This ritual is named after the dress, Gunyo Chulo (like sari and blouse), which is offered as a gift to celebrate girls who are gradually stepping into womanhood. What makes this picture even more compelling is the story that created this particular moment. While the parents wanted to perform their duty, the girls were reluctant to wear the dress, and the mothers had to persuade their daughters by providing them a $10 Roblox (game) gift card. On the ceremony day, their excitement could be seen as they felt special wearing, Gunyo Cholo, hair tied with traditional dhaago, and carrying a traditional bag to collect gifts from relatives who joined in celebrating them. A Nepali tradition performed in the US shows that immigrant landscapes are powerful to connect places that span across geographies. The photo represents material culture, social values, hybrid identities, intergenerational and gender dynamics of immigrants, and the emerging cultural fabric of the United States.
Cultural Geography Specialty Group 