Light Hearted

Here in the northern suburbs of Detroit, as autumn paints the trees in brilliant hues and the air grows crisp, something equally colorful was brewing at our GM office. This year brought an interesting coincidence – Diwali and Halloween fell on the same day. While I was busy handing out candy to eager trick-or-treaters in my subdivision, a part of me yearned for the traditional Diwali celebrations I’d grown up with in India.

Back home, Diwali is a festival of magnificent proportions. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, the air fills with the aroma of sweets, and families gather to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Here in Michigan, though the weather might not always cooperate and the festival spirit isn’t as widespread, something remarkable happened at our workplace that warmed my heart more than any traditional celebration could.

A group of my colleagues took it upon themselves to bring the spirit of Diwali to our office floor. What followed was weeks of planning, coordination, and genuine enthusiasm that transcended cultural boundaries. Everyone pitched in – some with funds for food and decorations, others with their time and energy, all working together to create something special.

The transformation of our conference room was nothing short of magical. Traditional decorations adorned the walls, and the tables groaned under the weight of a feast that represented the best of Indian cuisine. But what truly made the celebration spectacular wasn’t just the physical setup – it was the people who attended.

Seeing my coworkers dressed in traditional Indian attire was heartwarming enough, but watching our American colleagues arrive in kurtas and sarees, clearly having made an effort to embrace the cultural spirit of the occasion, brought tears to my eyes. The genuine interest they showed in learning about the festival’s significance and their enthusiasm in participating made it clear that this wasn’t just another office party – it was a beautiful demonstration of cultural unity.

The highlight of the celebration was lunchtime, when everyone gathered together, sitting cross-legged on the floor or huddled around tables, sharing food and stories. The scene reminded me of similar moments back in India during Christmas celebrations, where my Hindu friends would join in the festivities with equal enthusiasm. It was a beautiful role reversal that showed how the spirit of celebration knows no borders.

As I watched my colleagues from different backgrounds, religions, and nationalities laugh together over plates of biryani and samosas, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. In our increasingly interconnected world, these moments of cultural exchange and celebration are becoming more common, yet they never cease to be special.

This workplace Diwali celebration wasn’t just about maintaining traditions in a foreign land – it was about creating new ones. It showed that festivals aren’t just about following age-old customs; they’re about bringing people together, sharing joy, and creating memories that bridge cultural divides.

As I drove home that evening, still wearing my traditional attire and carrying leftover sweets, I felt grateful. Grateful for colleagues who became family, for a workplace that embraces diversity, and for the beautiful reminder that no matter where we come from, the language of celebration and joy is universal.

In the end, isn’t that what festivals are all about? They’re not just markers on a calendar but opportunities to come together, learn from each other, and create a more inclusive world. Our office Diwali celebration may have been different from the ones I remember from India, but in many ways, it was even more meaningful – a perfect blend of tradition and modern workplace culture, showing that the festival of lights truly can illuminate paths to understanding and unity.