Today there is growing awareness of the importance of Diwali for the thriving Indian community across our country. The Festival of Lights has been celebrated across India for centuries, with each region attaching different traditions and meaning to the event. Now, you can find diya lamps and gulab jamun sweets at Costco and attend large community festivals to celebrate. But it wasn’t always like this.
Growing up before the days of Amazon, Salesforce, and even Microsoft, I can remember a different scenario. The Indian community then was so small, there was only one store where we could find Indian essentials like daal, curry leaves, and Bollywood Movies. Without a Hindu Temple in the region, we put differences in language and geography aside to celebrate significant holidays together in a high school gym or the basement of a church.
I remember dressing up for pageants with my cousin and brother. I loved putting on all the sparkling jewelry and the bangles that would chime as I moved my hands! There were always long tables groaning with all the delicious foods, and mountains of syrupy sweets. Perhaps most importantly, I remember my Bamma and Tata getting the chance to laugh and relax with people who spoke their language and shared their culture.
Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness. As we head into a contentious election season and our long, dark rainy season, I hope you take a moment to celebrate with me. Try some charkis, drink some chai, or light a lamp. Pause a moment and remember that the light will return.
Wishing you a Happy Diwali,
Maya Hemachandra, MPA, CFRE
Interim President & CEO