At Carnival UK we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work which is why we want to wish everyone celebrating the upcoming five-day festival of lights a happy Diwali!
Here’s what Diwali means to Rishi Chadha, HRM for Britannia, Azura & Ventura: “One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is also a festival that brings families, people together irrespective of their cast, creed or status. The evening party is a welcomed excuse for family and friends to come together, enjoy a varied and plentiful selection of flavoursome Indian dishes, and dance the night away.”
Here’s what Diwali means to Rishi Chadha, HRM for Britannia, Azura & Ventura: “One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is also a festival that brings families, people together irrespective of their cast, creed or status. The evening party is a welcomed excuse for family and friends to come together, enjoy a varied and plentiful selection of flavoursome Indian dishes, and dance the night away.” This festival celebrates a number of themes including joy, forgiveness, knowledge, the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and the legend of Rama and Sita. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm as it symbolises the victory of good over evil. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali’, which means a row of lights, Diwali has been celebrated since time immemorial.
Celebrating the festival of light
The preparation for this grand festival starts much ahead with people cleaning their houses and offices. Then they decorate their places with flowers, lamps, lights and rangolis.
Like all other festivals in India, food too plays an essential role in Diwali. From delicious sweets or delectable savouries, every household prepares a fare worth feeding a kingdom. A lot of people also gift sweets to their friends and families to wish them luck and prosperity for the coming days.
People begin by buying jewellery and utensils on Dhanteras. This is an auspicious occasion to buy any kind of metal as it’s believed to ward off evil and bring in prosperity.
The next two days, Chhoti Diwali and Diwali, are the most-awaited days of the festival which people enjoy the most. The evening starts after performing puja and offering prayers to the gods.
Although it’s a tradition to burst crackers on Diwali, nowadays people refrain from doing it because of the increase in air pollution. They aim to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way and respect nature. Instead of bursting crackers, most Indians light diyas, decorate their house and surroundings with fairy lights and spend a magical evening with friends and family.
On the fourth day Govardhan puja is performed and the festival of lights ends with Bhai Dooj, which is very similar to Raksha Bandhan as it’s a celebration of love between a brother and sister.
How our people on board will be celebrating
As we know Covid-19 has meant people have had to find different ways to celebrate occasions without being as close to their friends and families as they normally would. During normal times, our teams on board used to have Indian colleagues making Rangolis as well as taking part in religious prayer ceremonies. This year they’ll be planning things like having decorations around the crew areas and fabulous themed dinners!
If you’re celebrating Diwali let us know what you’re planning in the comments below.