Over the last twenty years or so hundreds of mansions have appeared in the Kharian region of the Punjab. Each mansion represents a successful migration to the West – some to the UK but mostly to Norway. For three or four weeks a year the mansions are holiday homes to the returning migrants and their Norwegian born children. This is often a time when differences and rifts in extended families emerge and a time when young people must assess their futures.
In Oslo these Punjabi men and their families have mostly lived in small spaces and had low paying jobs. For decades these men they have worked hard and saved hard. For them the dream, as well as the economic statement of success, is to own a mansion back in the Punjab – and now many of them do.
For three or four weeks a year the mansions are holiday homes to the returning migrants and their Norwegian born children – this is often a time when differences and rifts in extended families emerge and a time when young people must assess their futures.