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Diwaliâoften spelled Deepavaliâis known around the world as the Festival of Lights, but I didnât truly understand its depth until I had the chance to experience it up close, both in the community and in the workplace. What I witnessed was far more than a holiday; it was a living lesson in history, hope, and inclusion.
Diwali has ancient roots in Hindu tradition and is celebrated by millions of people across India and the global South Asian diaspora. While customs vary across regions and religions, one theme remains constant: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
In North India, Diwali is most commonly linked to the epic Ramayana. After 14 years in exile and a fierce battle to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returns to his kingdom of Ayodhya. The people welcome him home by lighting rows of small oil lamps, or diyas, to illuminate the path and celebrate the victory of righteousness. The regions connect Diwali with different stories: Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura in parts of South India, the worship of Goddess Kali in West Bengal, or celebrations of Goddess Lakshmi, who represents prosperity and abundance. This diversity of legends reminds us that Diwali is not a single story, but a tapestry of meanings gathered over centuries.
Despite these variations, the imagery is consistent: homes cleaned and decorated, colorful rangoli patterns drawn at doorways, sweets shared with loved ones, prayers offered, and lamps lit everywhere. Together, these traditions create a powerful metaphor: when we choose compassion, courage, and justice, we bring light into the darkest places)
Experiencing Diwali in community
My understanding of Diwali changed when I had the opportunity to experience the celebration firsthand. Stepping into a Diwali gathering is like walking into a moving painting: marigold garlands draped along doorways, the warm glow of diyas arranged in circles, and children excitedly running around in vibrant traditional clothing. The air is filled with the fragrance of incense and spices, and the sound of laughter, music, and prayer.
What struck me most was the spirit of welcome. Even as a guest from another culture, I was invited to light a lamp, taste homemade sweets, and learn the stories behind the rituals. People didnât just say âHappy Diwaliâ; they took time to explain why it was happyâwhat it meant for their families, their faith, and their sense of identity.
That sense of inclusion of being gently drawn into someone elseâs sacred celebrationâwas as powerful as the history itself. It reminded me that cultural traditions are not meant to be observed from a distance like museum pieces; they are meant to be shared, experienced, and respected.
Diwali in the workplace: inclusion in action
Experiencing Diwali in the workplace added another layer of meaning. In many organizations today, team members decorate common areas with lights and rangoli, host potlucks featuring South Asian dishes, and organize brief teach-ins where colleagues explain the festivalâs history and traditions.
What might seem like âjust another office celebrationâ is actually a powerful act of inclusion. When a company makes space for Diwaliâalongside other cultural and religious observancesâit sends a message: your identity belongs here. Employees who celebrate Diwali see parts of their lives reflected in the workplace, and those who donât celebrate gain the chance to learn and connect.
In the celebrations I witnessed, leaders didnât simply sign off on decorations; they showed up. They listened to stories, tried new foods, asked questions respectfully, and participated in lighting lamps. That visible engagement from leadership transforms a cultural moment into an organizational value: we respect and honor the diversity in our midst.
What Diwali teaches all of us
You donât have to be Hindu, Jain, Sikh, or part of the South Asian diaspora to feel Diwaliâs message. At its heart, Diwali asks each of us a simple question: Where do you need more light in your life, your workplace, and your community?
The lamps symbolize more than celebration; they represent commitments:
- To choose integrity over convenience
- To stand up against injustice, even when itâs uncomfortable
- To create environmentsâteams, families, communitiesâwhere everyone can show up as themselves
When I think back to the Diwali celebrations Iâve experienced, I remember the beauty of the lights, the taste of the food, and the joyful energy. But what stays with me most is the feeling: that in that moment, people from many backgrounds came together not just to âobserveâ a holiday, but to share in a collective hope that light will indeed overcome darkness.
In a world that often feels divided, Diwali offers a gentle but powerful blueprint: clear out what no longer serves us, light a candle of intention, and celebrate the possibility of new beginnings together.
Pam McElvane, CEO, Author & Publisher, P&L Group
CEO | Master Coach | Board Governance Expert | Data Scientist | Strategist | Publisher
Pamela McElvane, MBA, MA, MCPC, is the CEO and founder of P&L Group, Ltd which has 3 key brands: Diversity MBA Media, 3I Research Institute & Diversity Learning Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, IL. Ms. McElvane has spent more than 25 years working with large and midsize companies providing insights and best practices, leadership and executive coaching, strategy, and organizational management.
Contact for public speaking, coaching and leadership training opportunities:
833-362-2100 ext. 700 (Main)
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