Diwali: A Festival of Lights and What It Means for Diversity
- Kimberly Wilson
- Oct 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 25
What Diwali Reveals About Cultural Inclusion and the Power of Shared Traditions
TL;DR | What Diwali Teaches Us About Diversity
▍ Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
▍ It’s a time of family, gratitude, and inclusion across faiths and regions.
▍ The traditions and adaptations of Diwali highlight the beauty of diversity.
▍ Learning about Diwali helps foster empathy, respect, and global understanding.
Today’s world is becoming increasingly aware of the diversity around us, and the beauty of that is discovering the many cultures and celebrations that exist both globally and in our backyards.
Some of us might not understand why other people celebrate certain holidays or follow certain traditions. Understanding why others celebrate different cultural celebrations is an important way to increase empathy and better understand individuals' ideas and values.
Plus, acknowledging and appreciating the cultural differences that make a person different helps us have a more diverse mindset. Not to mention, it’s fun learning about celebrations and traditions other than our own.
We wanted to learn about other cultures and celebrations we were unaware of, so we started with Diwali.
We’re excited to open up conversations about culture, tradition, and the celebrations that make people unique, and to learn something meaningful along the way.
These aren’t traditions we practice ourselves, but we’ve learned a lot through our research. Hopefully, you can learn something too.
Why do People Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. It is a time to remember ancestors, reflect on past mistakes, strengthen the resolve to remain virtuous during the coming year, and give thanks for the bounties of life. The festival marks the end of the harvest season or autumn and is celebrated as the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar. Diwali signifies prosperity, health, and well-being.
It is also known as the festival of lights. The word "Diwali" means "rows of lighted lamps" or "rows of lighted wicks". According to Hindu mythology, this was the time when Lord Rama returned after defeating Ravana and liberating his wife, Sita, from captivity. As a mark of gratitude, people lit up small lamps to signify triumph over evil and darkness.
Firecrackers are the Hallmark of Diwali Celebration
India is well-known for its colorful and vibrant festivals and celebrations. However, people of Indian origin living abroad have adapted their customs and practices to suit their environment and surroundings. That’s the beauty of diversity: It evolves and adapts to new contexts yet stays rooted in its principles. While these celebrations happen in other countries, we get a glimpse into what these cultural celebrations are like.
A prime example of this is in countries like the United States, where the use of firecrackers is a common practice during Diwali celebrations. In contrast, in countries like Singapore and Thailand, where firecrackers are prohibited, people have come up with innovative ways to celebrate this colorful festival with colorful candles and paper lanterns. Electric lights have primarily replaced the traditional lamps made of clay or mud, but the spirit and excitement of the celebration remain unchanged.
What Exactly Does a Diwali Celebration Look Like?
People across India celebrate Diwali with great zeal and enthusiasm. They exchange sweets and gifts, decorate homes with vibrant lights and colors, enjoy cultural music and dance, and participate in temple visits and prayers for prosperity. Many also take part in community clean-up efforts as a sign of renewal.
More than a religious event, Diwali is a cultural celebration that brings people together, regardless of background. While it’s a major festival for Hindus, it’s also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists and embraced across India by people of many faiths. The lights that burn through the night symbolize warmth, welcome, and the triumph of good over darkness.
Learning from the Diwali Festival: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Diwali is a time to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of traditions practiced by people across India from different regions and religions. These celebrations go beyond lights and festivities; they reflect the country’s rich diversity. It’s also a moment to engage in meaningful conversations that help us better understand the customs, values, and beliefs that shape other people’s lives.
Final Thought: Diwali Reminds Us Why Diversity Matters
Diwali is widely recognized as a celebration that honors inclusion and cultural diversity.
It’s the perfect starting point for this series—a festival that reflects the strength of communities uniting to honor their traditions and culture. Diwali sets aside differences and embraces the power of sharing stories and celebrations with respect and joy across India.
Sharing and rejoicing in other people’s cultural celebrations can teach us something, just as we can from sharing our own. Learning about cultural traditions helps us better understand others, so we feel closer to the person next to us.
At TLR Search, we specialize as energy recruiters and chemical recruiters who believe that true innovation comes from diversity of thought, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
Celebrations like Diwali remind us that every individual brings a unique story, perspective, and value to the workplace. That’s why we prioritize hiring strategies that promote belonging, psychological safety, and purpose-driven leadership.
If you’re exploring how cultural awareness enhances team dynamics and business outcomes, these posts may be helpful:
📣 Curious how cultural understanding shapes great hiring?
We help companies build inclusive, values-aligned teams because the best talent decisions come from seeing the whole person.👉 Explore TLR Search