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Celebrating Diwali Inclusively: How the Festival of Lights Connects Communities
- Simi Kell
- Oct 27, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2024
Diwali, also known colloquially as the "Festival of Lights" or "Deepawali" (Dee-pah-wah-lee) in Sanskrit, is a festival steeped in rich history, rooted in the ancient harvest celebrations of South Asia, and has been observed for over 2,500 years. Diwali resonates both as a religious and a secular celebration, bringing people together to celebrate with shared stories, joy, renewal, and unity. In fact, Diwali is more than just a Hindu celebration; it is observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Newar Buddhists, each community bringing its own stories and customs to the festival.
Different Perspectives on Diwali
For Hindus, Diwali has its origins in the Ramayana (Rah-mah-yah-nah). This revered epic recounts the return of Lord Rama (Ra-mah) after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana (Rah-vah-na). His story symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the start of new beginnings. Diwali, also known as "Deepawali" in Sanskrit, means "a row of lights" and refers to the villagers lighting the path with rows of clay diyas (Dee-yahz) to welcome Lord Rama. Growing up in a Hindu family, Diwali has always felt like a fresh beginning and the start of our new year. Our family began celebrations by cleaning and decorating our home. I remember gathering with my family to create colorful rangoli (Rahng-oh-lee) designs, host pujas (Poo-jahs) to honor the gods, exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy firework displays, and connect with our community. (Learn more here).
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to honor their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh (Hahr-go-bind), who secured his freedom and that of 52 princes (political prisoners) from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir (Jah-hahn-geer). Sikhs remember his dedication to justice and liberation on Diwali, or as they call it, Bandi Chhor Divas (Bun-dee Chor Dee-vas) or Day of Liberation. The origin of the festival and the connected story has always fascinated me; in short, to secure the release of the princes, Guru Hargobind Singh requested a special cloak with 52 tails as a response to a challenge set by the emperor - only those prisoners who could hold onto Guru Hargobind's robe would be allowed to leave with him. The Guru accepted this condition and commissioned a robe with 52 panels to symbolize unity and resilience, allowing each of the 52 princes imprisoned with him to grasp a part of it and walk to freedom together. This symbolic gesture represented the Guru's commitment to justice and collective liberation, and it became a defining part of the Bandi Chhor Divas celebration. (Learn more here).
In Jainism, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira (Mah-hah-veer-ah) attained nirvana (Neer-vah-nah), freeing his soul from the cycle of rebirth. This Jain Diwali, or Dipalikaya (Dee-pah-lee-kay-yah), roughly translates to "light leaving the body," symbolizes the soul’s release. Jain scriptures recount that the heavens and earth were filled with light to honor this profound moment, a celebration that continues today as Jains illuminate their homes and temples with lamps. Diwali carries unique significance in Jainism as a period for deep spiritual reflection, guiding followers to focus on their core principles such as non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. Many Jains engage in personal introspection during this time, renewing their commitment to these teachings through vows of compassion, honesty, and restraint. (Learn more here).
The Newar Buddhist community in Nepal celebrates Diwali as "Swanti" (Swahn-tee) or "Tihar" (Tee-har), honoring the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (Lahk-shmee). Lakshmi is usually depicted sitting in the middle of a lotus flower, with gold coins flowing from her hand, and has always been connected with prosperity and wealth. I find the Newar Buddhist celebrations deeply touching because they value blessings, gratitude, and prosperity of both family and community. Hence, as part of their celebration, they clean and decorate their homes to invite the Goddess's blessings. Like the Hindus, they light lamps to dispel darkness and create intricate mandalas to symbolize harmony, blending their cultural and spiritual heritage with the spirit of Diwali. (Learn more here).
As you can see, Diwali’s meanings and practices vary among communities; however, the unifying threads of light, renewal, and community interconnect everyone who celebrates Diwali. Adding inclusive practices can create a welcoming celebration where everyone can fully engage in Diwali’s spirit of unity and light regardless of background.
How to Make Diwali Inclusive for Everyone
Educational Storytelling
Storytelling sessions are a beautiful way to promote inclusivity and share Diwali’s rich cultural diversity. Sessions can be held in classrooms, workplaces, or community spaces like libraries. Through stories, participants gain a deeper appreciation of each other and their traditions and heritage.
Activities for All
Many Diwali traditions, like creating rangoli art, decorating diyas, and applying henna, can be adapted for people of all ages and abilities, making participation easy and enjoyable. For example - for those sensitive to loud sounds, quieter celebrations using LED lights or colorful displays offer a great alternative to fireworks. Other options like offering adaptive tools, like easy-grip paintbrushes for rangoli or sensory-friendly henna designs, can ensure these activities are accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of physical or sensory needs. (Check out my article on how to create sensory-friendly henna designs).
Dietary Inclusivity
Food is central to Diwali, and it’s essential to make sure that everyone can partake in the celebrations. Offering vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-free options ensures inclusivity. A potluck where people bring dishes from their own cultures is another beautiful way to build connection, as it encourages storytelling and broadens the Diwali experience. (Check out my article on dietary inclusivity).
Environmentally Friendly Practices
While fireworks have traditionally been a part of Diwali, eco-friendly alternatives, such as battery-powered lights, can honor the Diwali spirit without the environmental impact. Encouraging recycling, composting, or even tree planting can create a legacy of mindful celebration in harmony with Diwali’s themes of renewal.
Supporting Diwali Inclusivity at Work and School
Schools and workplaces can foster inclusivity by offering flexible holiday schedules or creating special spaces for cultural activities. For example, setting up areas for music and dance or a quiet space for reflection can create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing everyone to celebrate comfortably.
Embracing Diwali’s Spirit of Unity and Light
Celebrating Diwali inclusively honors the cultural diversity within South Asian communities. Small adaptations—such as accommodating dietary needs or offering diverse activities—help create a celebration that fosters a sense of unity, promotes cultural understanding, and strengthens bonds across different backgrounds. As Diwali grows in global significance, embracing its themes of renewal and light creates an opportunity to celebrate the values we all share.
Glossary of Terms
Diya (Dee-yah): a small oil lamp, traditionally made of clay, used during Diwali to symbolize light overcoming darkness.
Puja (Poo-jah): A prayer ritual or ceremony often conducted to honor deities during celebrations.
Rangoli (Rahng-oh-lee): Colorful art created on the ground using materials like colored sand or flower petals, typically designed at the entrance of homes.
Ramayana (Rah-mah-yah-nah): An ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Lord Rama and is central to Hindu cultural history.
Nirvana (Neer-vah-nah): In Jainism, this refers to the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death, the ultimate spiritual enlightenment.
Bandi Chhor Divas (Bun-dee Chor Dee-vas): Sikh festival that coincides with Diwali and commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Singh and 52 princes from imprisonment.
Learn More/References
Inclusive Employers. (n.d.). How to celebrate Diwali in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk
- Gourmet Luxe. (2023). Celebrating Diwali in the workplace: A guide for diversity and inclusion. Retrieved from https://gourmet-luxe.com
- Award.co. (n.d.). Creating inclusive holidays at work. Retrieved from https://www.award.co
- Empuls.io. (2023). 20 creative ideas to celebrate Diwali at the workplace . Retrieved from https://www.empuls.io
- Headsup Corporation. (n.d.). 20 creative ideas to celebrate Diwali. Retrieved from https://www.headsupcorporation.com
- The India Center Celebrates Diwali - College of Sciences News - College of Sciences News. https://sciences.ucf.edu/news/the-india-center-celebrates-diwali/
https://www.thecollector.com/what-is-the-history-and-signif cance-of-diwali/
Guptar Ghat - Ayodhya Visit. https://ayodhya-visit.com/tour/guptar-ghat/
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