Last October, KDI School launched the “Family Gathering Around the World,” a Chuseok-inspired event held to honor the spirit of family, remembrance, and togetherness. In South Korea, Chuseok is a major holiday marked by visiting relatives, sharing traditional food, and paying respect to ancestors. Inspired by this tradition, the event invited all currently enrolled KDIS students to share how their own families gather and celebrate back home. 

Among these entries was the story of Vineel Kumar from Fiji, who shared a deeply spiritual family tradition connected to Pithar Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha. This sacred period in the Hindu calendar is dedicated to honoring and remembering ancestors through Pooja (ritual prayers) and offerings of food and water. It is believed that performing these rituals with sincerity helps ancestors attain peace in the afterlife while guiding and protecting present and future generations. For Vineel, this observance is a powerful reminder of family lineage, gratitude, and the enduring connection between the past, present, and future. 

In this feature, we share Vineel’s reflections on his heritage, his experience joining the KDIS event, and what family gatherings mean to him.

Vineel Kumar is currently pursuing a Master in Development Policy at KDI School. Coming from Fiji, he brings with him a strong background in development cooperation, climate finance, and international relations. Prior to studying in Korea, Vineel worked at the Ministry of Finance in Fiji, where he contributed to policy formulation and coordinated bilateral aid programs.

Studying at KDI School, he shared, has broadened his understanding of development through global perspectives. “It’s a great opportunity to explore policy solutions that can contribute to sustainable development back home,” he said.

When asked what inspired him to take part in the Family Gathering event, Vineel emphasized his desire to connect with the KDIS community beyond the classroom. “It felt like a great opportunity to share my cultures, learn from each other, and celebrate the diversity within our school,” he said. Being selected as one of the winners was both exciting and humbling. “It made me feel recognized for my efforts and encouraged me to stay engaged in school activities,” he reflected.

The family gathering tradition Vineel shared is an intimate and deeply spiritual observance practiced among close family members. Lasting 16 days, the ritual centers on honoring ancestors through daily offerings. Each morning, the male members of the family offer water, rice, and sesame seeds, accompanied by prayers. On the sixteenth day, a priest performs a special ritual dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is believed to act as a vessel for taking these offerings to the ancestors and conveying the family’s prayers. This moment of blessing and remembrance symbolizes unity, healing, and continuity across generations.

Vegetarian dishes play an important role in this tradition, prepared as offerings and later shared by the family. Vineel explained that these foods reflect purity, devotion, and gratitude. Among the dishes prepared are:

1. Kheer (Sweet Rice Pudding) – A common offering made from milk, rice, and sugar or jaggery

2. Puri or Roti – Flatbreads served with ghee

3. Khichdi – A simple rice and lentil dish symbolizing purity

4. Dal – Mildly prepared lentils such as moong dal or toor dal

5. Plain Steamed Rice – Often used for ceremonial offerings

6. Pinda (Rice Balls) – Made from rice, barley flour, sesame seeds, ghee, or honey

7. Seasonal Vegetables – Pumpkin, bottle gourd, spinach, and more

8. Fruits – Commonly bananas and apples

Studying abroad means being away from family during important traditions, and for Vineel, this brings both longing and reflection. “During this time, what I miss most is being close to my family sharing memories, comforting each other, and finding strength together,” he said. Having recently experienced the loss of a loved one, these gatherings now hold even deeper significance for him.

Despite the distance, Vineel stays connected by cooking traditional dishes and spending time with KDIS friends, joining cultural events, and maintaining regular communication with his family. He also participates virtually in family celebrations whenever possible.