EMBRACING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: A TAPESTRY OF DIWALI JOY ILLUMINATES HEARTS AND HOMES

Over the weekend, Arriva and Arriva Rail London colleagues celebrated Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Representing the triumph of light over Darkness and the start of new beginnings for millions of people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faith.

We asked colleagues Nishalini, Mohnish, Bhavana, Tejinder and Parshant to share their experiences as they prepared for this year's Diwali celebration.

What does Diwali mean to you?

It's a vibrant time of year that symbolises a new beginning, a time where you reflect on all the good in the world, celebrate with family and friends, and give and think of those in positions that are not as fortunate. – Nishalini Sookun, learning and development advisor/facilitator

Diwali is equivalent to Christmas in the Indian community and the biggest festival of the year, celebrated over three days and just magical. Diwali is associated as the festival of light and depending on which part of India you come from, there are various reasons for celebrating Diwali. For my family, during the holiday, we celebrate the victory of light over Darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. – Mohnish Mirchandani, control systems & information manager

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous and vibrant celebration that holds great significance in Indian culture. It is a time to rejoice, spread happiness, and illuminate homes. During Diwali, families and friends decorate their houses with colourful lights, exchange sweets, and end the night with fireworks. – Bhavana Patel, head of financial accounting

Diwali is my family time, where my whole family comes together to enjoy and celebrate. It's also the time when all extended family come together, forgetting any problems or glitches they may have.– Tejinder Channe, duty resource manager

It's a time to be with family, to laugh with them and enjoy the delicious sweets.
Diwali marks a new beginning, as it's the Hindu New Year. I'm not a religious person, but the spirituality of Diwali is empowering, and I find myself clearing my mind, letting go of negativity and looking forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose, enthusiasm, and gratitude.– Parshant Kumar, driver

Could you tell us a fond memory you have had - whether in your childhood or adulthood?

As a child, I remember the mystical story of Rama and Sita and the importance of good triumphing over the bad; it's a reminder to always lead with compassion and kindness. Naturally, as a child, I was drawn to fireworks lighting the sky in celebration and loved lighting lanterns/lamps around the house with my two little brothers guided by our parents to welcome in prosperity and blessings.- Nishalini Sookun

My fond memories of Diwali include eating a lot of delicious food, especially Indian sweets, during this time of the year. Getting together with family and friends, wearing your best clothes, and waiting until it gets dark for the fireworks. I grew up in India and remember doing fireworks all evening! The whole country transforms; you will hear, smell, or see fireworks as soon as it's dusk every few seconds until midnight for three days! – Mohnish Mirchandani

Diwali holds a special place in my heart and has deep meaning to me! Growing up in a big family, every Diwali, friends and family would gather at our family house over four days, creating memories and cherishing the bonds that tie us. Happy Diwali & Sal Mubarak. – Bhavana Patel

My best memory for Diwali is when I started doing fireworks with my kids. I relived my childhood with them again, which was the most beautiful feeling. – Tejinder Channe

I always enjoy Diwali, but some of my fondest memories are from my childhood and early adulthood, when I spent Diwali with my family and close family friends back home in India. The house was decked in lights and decorations, and we would light divas and candles.
Mum would make delicious sweets and snacks. We would visit family and friends to give and receive gifts. All culminating in setting off fireworks, which was a ton of fun for us as kids. – Parshant Kumar

How has Diwali changed for you as you’ve become an adult?

It keeps me grounded in being positive, supportive, and kind while always looking on the bright side even when things may not seem so bright. – Nishalini Sookun

Diwali is about educating my two children about the festival, creating a special atmosphere and a fuss. We try and create the same magic of Diwali by decorating our home with lights, Rangoli and cooking all the delicacies which I enjoyed growing up in India. The most significant change is that we do not promote the use of fireworks for environmental reasons. We are still getting used to this idea because, to some degree, fireworks were the essence of Diwali as a child. – Mohnish Mirchandani

The main thing I would say is I can't be as carefree as I was in childhood and enjoy Diwali. I have to watch how many sweets I am eating and how much money I spend on fireworks. I also have to watch my kids safety when they are doing fireworks. – Tejinder Channe

As a child, I loved Diwali only for the treats and the festivities. As an adult, I definitely still love it for that, but I've also understood the messages of Diwali - it marks a fresh beginning; it teaches us that no matter the hardships, the forces of good will triumph in the end; it's a time to cleanse the mind and the heart of negativity and embrace enlightenment and compassion; and it's a time to appreciate family. For me, it's now a spiritual renewal. – Parshant Kumar

What would you like those who don’t celebrate Diwali to know about the celebration?

It's the Hindu new year, which is great as I get to have two new years' so if I've messed up on my Diwali new year's resolution, I get a do-over in January! Not to mention it's a great time when you eat traditional food and Indian sweets. There is a children's version of the story of Rama and Sita - it's a lovely, warming story which I highly recommend. – Nishalini Sookun

For those who don't celebrate Diwali, I strongly suggest contacting your Indian friends or neighbours during this time, as you won't be disappointed. You will be welcomed with open arms to celebrate Diwali, and I promise you will walk away with joy, happiness and wanting to do it all over again the next year. – Mohnish Mirchandani

Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light after Darkness. It brings people and communities together and uplifts everyone's spirits. It makes us stay close to our culture and roots, and its main message is to spread love, laughter, and light to our fellow humans. Pray for everyone's best life and health. – Tejinder Channe

It's more than a night when nonstop fireworks go off till 1am. I'd love for people to read about what Diwali represents and appreciate its spirituality. Its messages are universal, transcending cultures and religions. – Parshant Kumar

Want to learn more about the story of Rama and Sita? Click the links below.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-14391-the-story-of-rama-and-sita-ebook?signed_up=true

https://teach.files.bbci.co.uk/schoolradio/assemblies/frameworks/hinduism_rama_and_sita.pdf