Diwali is a festival that transcends boundaries and unites people from diverse cultures and backgrounds in the spirit of togetherness and gratitude. The festival marks the beginning of the fiscal year. We sat down with some of our India team members to learn more about Diwali and how they celebrate the Festival of Lights.
What does Diwali mean to you, and how do you typically celebrate this festival?
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: Diwali feels like an emotional homecoming for me. It’s a time when the warmth of family and tradition fills our hearts, and each diya we light symbolizes the love and strength shared across generations. Visiting my family is one of my favorite parts of the celebration, as she brings a sense of continuity and roots. Diwali teaches me about resilience and renewal—it’s a chance to reflect on the past year and approach the future with hope and gratitude. I try to carry these lessons forward, seeking to bring light to challenges, whether in my personal or professional life. This festival reaffirms my values and motivates me to work with optimism and integrity each day.
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: For me, it represents a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. It's a moment to cleanse the mind and spirit, welcoming new beginnings and prosperity.
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: Festive celebrations start with Dhanteras (29th Oct this time), we worship wealth and prosperity. We would decorate everything with colorful rangoli designs made from colored powders and flower petals at our entrance to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Lots of fancy lights and diyas are seen everywhere.
On Diwali/Deepawali day, everything looks magical seeing those tiny flames flickering in the dark; it brings in lots of positivity and happiness. All family members gather for pooja (prayers), chanting shlokas, and sharing blessings and prasadam.
Diwali celebration is not complete without bursting crackers. We see friends and relatives visiting us and sharing happiness. It is all about celebrating our heritage while creating memories that last a lifetime. And how can I forget sweets and delicious food. And yes, all at my place is pure vegetarian prepared at home.
Anusha, Customer Support Representative: For me Diwali is a festival of lights, Which means the Victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Positive energy. I celebrate by sharing sweets and spending time with loved ones.
Could you describe the preparations and decorations for making your home ready for Diwali?
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: To prepare for Diwali, we start with a thorough cleaning, symbolizing a fresh start. We then decorate with diyas and string lights to welcome positivity and light. Creating colorful rangoli designs at the entrance adds a festive touch, while marigold garlands and incense fill the air with a warm, inviting ambiance. We set up a sacred space with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, adorning it with flowers and offerings for prayers. Finally, trays of sweets are arranged for family and guests, embodying the spirit of joy and togetherness that Diwali brings. It’s a time for warmth, light, and renewal.
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: For Diwali, I love to start by cleaning my home and creating a vibrant rangoli at the entrance. I decorate with diyas and fairy lights to fill the space with warmth and light, embracing the festive spirit.
Anusha, Customer Support Representative: Every Diwali, we make our home filled with lights and diyas, I decorate for Laxmi pooja, making Diwali more spiritual and calm. I decorate lamps with flowers where the lamp looks more beautiful in the middle of the flowers.
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: Starts with decorating our home for Diwali; it is a vibrant and joyful experience filled with traditions and decorations that bring the festive spirit to life.
- Cleaning and Decluttering - The first step is a thorough cleaning of your home. We believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and clutter-free during Diwali.
- Rangoli Designs - We create a colorful rangoli at the entrance of our home with colored powders or flower petals to make intricate designs.
- Lights - String lights or diyas (oil lamps) are essential decorations. We place diyas along windowsills, doorways, and balconies to illuminate your space beautifully.
- Decorative Torans - Hanging torans (decorative garlands) made from marigold flowers or mango leaves at the entrance adds an authentic touch to the decor. They symbolize prosperity and good luck.
- Puja Setup - We set up an altar for the puja (prayer ceremony) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Decorate it with fresh flowers, fruits, sweets and incense sticks for fragrance.
How does your family celebrate Diwali?
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: For my family, Diwali is truly about reconnecting. Despite our busy lives, this festival brings us all together, whether in person or through calls and messages with distant relatives. We share stories, laugh over childhood memories, and bond over the traditions we’ve cherished for years. The moments spent decorating, preparing meals, and sitting together for the puja feel especially meaningful, reminding us of the importance of family and the warmth of togetherness. It’s a time when everything slows down, and we reconnect not just with each other but also with the deeper values we hold close
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: My family goes all out for Diwali! We start by turning the house upside down with a big cleaning day, and then it’s time for the fun part—decorating! We light diyas everywhere, drape string lights around the house, and compete over who can make the best rangoli at the entrance (spoiler: my daughter always wins). On Diwali day, we dress up in our best outfits and gather for a lively puja, filled with laughter and singing. Then it’s time for a massive feast and endless sweets, plus gift exchanges that get everyone excited. It’s like one big, joyful family party!
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: We begin with cleaning and decorating the home. This is believed to invite prosperity and good luck into the household. One of the most exciting aspects is the preparation of delicious sweets and snacks. On Diwali night, we gather for prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for wealth and happiness. We light diyas (oil lamps) around our homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It's a beautiful sight when all those little lights twinkle in unison.
Fireworks are also a big part of our celebrations! The excitement builds as we step outside to enjoy colorful displays lighting up the night sky. It’s not just about watching; it’s about sharing laughter and making memories together. Overall, celebrating Diwali is all about coming together—sharing food, laughter, prayers, and creating lasting memories that we cherish for years to come!
Anusha, Customer Support Representative: My family celebrations start with the tradition called “Harathulu”, where all men in the house will stand and all women will give some silver/gold coins to their hands and give Harathi. Once harathi is done all men will drop those coins on the plate which is decorated with flowers, fruits, and diyas. This ritual/tradition says that the house will be filled with abundant health and wealth. There will be a special sweet which is specially made on Diwali. All family members will have a special time spent with each other on the special day. 
Diwali is also about giving back and sharing with those less fortunate. Do you or your community participate in any charitable activities during this time, and if so, can you tell us about them?
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: In my experience, our community really embraces this spirit of generosity during Diwali. We love to donate non-perishable food items. It’s heartwarming to see everyone pitch in—kids get involved by helping to pack boxes, and adults coordinate with local shelters to ensure the food reaches those in need. It’s a great way for everyone to feel connected and make a difference. We share a part of our earnings with local temples which in turn arrange charity for the well being of the society and less privileged ones.
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: Diwali’s spirit of giving back is something I feel deeply connected to. Each year, I work with an NGO to help them prepare for the festival and support charitable initiatives. This includes organizing donations, distributing essentials like food, clothes, and sweets to families in need, and setting up small Diwali celebrations for underprivileged children. We host activities like diya painting, where kids can experience the joy of the festival in a special way. Contributing in this way during Diwali makes the celebration even more meaningful, reminding us of the importance of community, compassion, and spreading happiness.
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: We contribute to local food drives, donate clothes, and participate in community events that support underprivileged families. One tradition we follow is visiting orphanages or elderly care homes, where we distribute sweets, gifts, and essentials, spreading the joy of the festival to those who may not have family around. It’s a humbling experience and a reminder that Diwali’s spirit of light should be shared with everyone.
Could you share any memorable or heartwarming stories or experiences you've had during past Diwali celebrations?
Anusha, Customer Support Representative: Every Diwali is special for me. The most favourite about Diwali is “Bommala koluvu” Where for every diwali a new decorative item adds to the gallery. Decorating those all ideals toys together with diyas and flowers ,makes me so happy. One of the favourite thing is playing with my brother by blowing some crackers, with laughter, fun and joy.
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: A memorable Diwali experience was when we organized a camp where the NGO showcased handmade products made by the community, like candles, diyas, and decorative items. Watching people support these artisans by purchasing their crafts was heartwarming—it gave the creators a sense of pride and purpose. One family bought a full set of hand-painted diyas, and the smile on the artisan’s face was priceless. The camp not only helped raise funds for the NGO but also empowered the community by celebrating their skills. It was a powerful reminder of Diwali's essence: bringing light and opportunity to everyone.
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: One of my sweetest childhood memories of Diwali is visiting my grandma’s house. Every year, she would start preparing delicious sweets and snacks days in advance. When we arrived, the house was filled with the warm, inviting aroma of her cooking. We would help her decorate with diyas and rangoli, and I loved listening to her stories about Diwali traditions. After the evening puja, we would all gather for a festive meal together, surrounded by laughter and love. Those moments with my grandma made Diwali truly special, reminding me of the importance of family and tradition.
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: One thing that is always in my memories is that as a kid I always wanted everyone in the family to gather together and participate in the occasion - prayers/pooja, enjoying bursting crackers, meeting friends and neighbors and dining together. And even now, I try to bring in everyone making a happy and memorable occasion for all.
How can someone from a different culture participate?
Neetika, Learning Enablement Specialist: For someone from a different culture, participating in Diwali can be a wonderful way to embrace the essence of the festival while celebrating diversity. Just like Christmas, which emphasizes joy, togetherness, and giving, Diwali embodies similar values.
To join in the festivities, one can start by learning about the significance of Diwali, such as the triumph of light over darkness and the importance of family and community. Attending Diwali gatherings or celebrations with friends or neighbors can provide an opportunity to experience the joy of lighting diyas, sharing sweets, and enjoying traditional meals.
Engaging in acts of kindness, like donating to local charities or sharing festive treats with those in need, mirrors the spirit of giving that is central to both Diwali, similar to Christmas.
Pradeep, Senior Operations Manager: It's simple; surrender every thought and be a part of the occasion. This festival welcomes everyone and since mostly it is observed as pure vegetarian; almost everyone can join. Friends, employees, neighbors; all become one family. It is all love, happiness and smiles everywhere. And yeah, no hard and fast rules; you respect all and you care for everyone; you become the celebrity of the home; no matter which culture you are coming from.
Summy, Regional APAC Manager: Embracing the spirit of Diwali offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with the essence of this vibrant festival. Begin by immersing yourself in the stories and customs surrounding Diwali, which celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Engage with friends or neighbors who celebrate the festival; joining them in their festivities can be a joyful experience.
You might light diyas and decorate your home to create a festive atmosphere, symbolizing hope and renewal. Participate in cooking traditional sweets and snacks, and consider sharing them with your community to spread joy. Exchanging gifts can also reflect the spirit of generosity that defines Diwali.
Look for local charity initiatives or community events focused on giving back, and consider volunteering your time to help those in need. By celebrating Diwali in this way, you can embody its values of light, love, and togetherness, while fostering a sense of community across cultures.
