Suitcases are used for travel, so they symbolize literal and metaphorical journeys in many stories. In Pashmina, the suitcase in Priyanka’s closet specifically symbolizes The Empowering Exploration of Cultural Heritage. Although the suitcase has been hidden away for a very long time, it often falls out of the closet and into plain sight, symbolizing the fact that Priyanka needs to go on a journey of self-discovery. Because the suitcase belongs to Priyanka’s mother, it symbolizes the idea that Priyanka’s journey will be deeply related to her mother and their shared cultural heritage. The suitcase is initially difficult to open, which implies that Priyanka’s journey will be inherently difficult and require perseverance. Priyanka’s difficulty in opening the suitcase also symbolizes her difficulty in getting her mother to “open up” about her past. Lastly, the fact that the suitcase contains the pashmina suggests that the garment will play an important role in Priyanka’s evolution.

The pashmina (or shawl) symbolizes The Empowering Exploration of Cultural Heritage as well as The Impact of Family Secrets on Personal Identity. Since the pashmina belonged to Priyanka’s mother and was passed down from her mother, who obtained it from her nanny, Rohini Mitra, the pashmina is a family heirloom of Priyanka’s and symbolizes the connection between generations of women.