This week there will be thousands of Diwali celebrations happening across the world, but there’s no denying that as a diaspora Desi things may look a little different when celebrating the Festival Of Lights.
The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and is traditionally a time for family gatherings, mega feasting, and festivities. However, being away from the motherland during Diwali means that we have to get creative during this special time and come up with some new traditions.
From watching The Office Diwali episode to bringing mitthai (Indian sweets) to your actual office, everybody has their own thing to connect to their culture. We spoke to five Desis living in Australia on how they’re forming new traditions during this sacred time.
Kriti, 28, Sydney
For Kriti, Diwali has transformed into a personal journey of cultural reconnection. “Ever since I moved out of home, about five years ago, Diwali has always been a little bit more difficult.
“I would say I’ve always found my family’s version of Diwali has been quite subdued because my mother is very like it’s all about praying to the gods and that’s it,” she explained.
Kriti’s solution? A pre-Diwali pilgrimage to Harris Park, Sydney’s own Little India. “Ever since I moved away, I have built my own traditions as much as I can in the lead-up to Diwali that includes going out to Harris Park,” she shared.
“Last year I went to Harris Park the week beforehand picking up supplies, picking up the mithai, the sparklers, buying the metal for Dhanteras. Going out to Little India allows me to feel a lot more connected.”
For Kriti, it’s not just about shopping; it’s about immersing herself in her culture. “I eat more Indian food at this time of year. I listen to more Bollywood songs and I try to get in touch with as much of the cultural element of it as I can. I also try to do that challenge every year where I wear more traditional clothes this month.”
Kriti also embraces the spirit of giving during this festive season: “I also then take the mithai and stuff and visit my friends or take it to the shelters nearby trying to give back.
“I think I just love being able to make my life a little bit brighter and make myself feel better through all of this.”
Aayushi, 23, Melbourne
In Melbourne, Aayushi has created a beautiful blend of cultures through her Diwali celebrations. “As immigrants, Diwali was the one time a year we could lean into the beauty and community of our culture,” she reflected.
Now, she celebrates with an interfaith group that includes friends from various backgrounds – Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and Jain.
“Even though we celebrate Diwali differently, we use it as an occasion to connect, celebrate, and feel closer to home by starting to decorate our own homes,” Aayushi explained.
“We typically dress up, go to the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) to pray and eat a bit; and then go to one of our houses.
“One of my friends has been hosting us so graciously for the past few years, making us all feel like we truly are home and not alone at a really special time — thanks Krishmeen!!”
Radhika, 27, Melbourne
For Radhika, her Diwali tradition started from necessity but turned into something very wholesome. “I’ve actually started giving candles to people on Diwali,” Radhika shared.
“It started as a necessity because I grew up in a rural town in Victoria that didn’t have an Indian store nearby to get diyas (clay oil lamps),” she explained.
“My mum then had the idea to gift candles to all my friends in school and I’ve carried it on through uni and work now.
“It’s like a newer or more practical version that still serves as a reminder that light will always defeat darkness.”
Radhika added that she’s started watching the Diwali episode from The Office ever year. “Some may think it’s a bit sacrilegious, but I haven’t met an Indian who didn’t absolutely love the episode.” TBH she’s got a point.
Komal, 24, Brisbane
In Brisbane, 24-year-old Komal has infused service into her family’s Diwali celebrations. “Diwali is all about light overcoming darkness and reflecting on where we can put more light in the world,” she said.
Her family takes this message seriously by volunteering on the day itself. “Me and my family have taken the day off every year for a few years now to go do some sort of volunteer work.”
They help at homeless shelters or visit aged care homes. “It’s just been something we’ve always done as a family.”
This year holds special significance for Komal. “I think this year the need to show light towards the darkness of the world is more important than ever. That’s why I’ll be attending a rally for Palestine and instead of gifts this year my family and I are buying a bunch of e-SIMs for people in Gaza.“
Prina, 25, Melbourne
Prina’s traditions are all about the food. “What I’ve been doing is because all of my friends are from different cultural backgrounds, we get together every year and bring a dish from all of our different heritages and have a big picnic together,” she shared.
Other notable mentions for new Diwali traditions include having a Diwaliween party every year, trying new Indian restaurant every day of the festival and watching every Diwali themed episode they could find in a sitcom. We love the commitment to the cause!
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