The JMP DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Action Team and SAS International Connection (SASIC) hosted a hybrid Diwali celebration on November 7. The event illuminated the spirit of Deepavali, the festival of lights. You can watch the hybrid event recording here.
The in-person event was held in the Atrium Café (Building R) and included:
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Savored the flavors: Relished authentic Indian delicacies that were available for purchase at the café.
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Captured the moments: Struck a pose at our festive photo booth.
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Artistic expressions: Got adorned with beautiful henna designs.
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Crafted with care: Decorated our own Diya and lit up the night.
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Engaged and enjoyed: Participated in fun-filled games and activities.
For those who could not join in-person, the virtual event was hosted by Pooja Bhinge and Vrushali Sawant:
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We welcomed special guests Prasad Kulkarni, SAS Pune R&D Head, and Reggie Townsend, VP of Data Ethics Practice.
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We shared our live Diwali celebration.
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Showcased the vibrant decorations, the food, and the joyful moments that bring our SAS community together.
Diwali, the "Festival of Lights" (Etymology: Sanskrit – Deepa + Avali – literally "row of lamps"; also spelled "Deepavali" in its phonetically correct form), is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals, observed by over 1.2 billion people worldwide. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, this five-day festival is rooted in the spiritual ideals of light overcoming darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Diwali brings together diverse traditions, regional customs, and family gatherings, becoming not just a religious celebration but a vibrant cultural event with significant socio-economic implications.
The dates of Diwali vary each year because of the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically the month of Kartika, which typically falls in October or November on the Gregorian calendar. Diwali’s main celebration, Lakshmi Puja, falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartika, symbolizing prosperity and the triumph of light over darkness. The entire month is marked by rituals like lighting oil lamps (diyas) in homes, temples, and public spaces, creating a festive atmosphere.
The Five Days of Diwali in 2024
- Dhanteras (Day of Prosperity) - October 29, 2024
Diwali begins with Dhanteras, dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health. People purchase precious metals, especially gold and silver, symbolizing prosperity. Homes and businesses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated as the festivities begin.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - October 30, 2024
Naraka Chaturdashi marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, symbolizing the triumph over darkness and negativity. Families rise early, bathe in oils, and light the first sparklers and firecrackers, setting the celebratory tone.
- Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Night) - October 31, 2024
The central day of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People illuminate their homes with lamps (diyas) and lights, perform rituals, and enjoy festive meals with family. Fireworks light up the night sky, celebrating Diwali’s most significant night.
- Govardhan Puja (Annakut) - November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna's victory over Indra. Food is prepared as an offering (Annakut) to represent abundance and gratitude. In some regions, it marks the start of the new financial year, with businesses performing special accounting rituals.
- Bhai Dooj (Sibling Celebration) - November 3, 2024
The final day is devoted to celebrating sibling bonds. Sisters pray for their brother's well-being, while brothers return the favor in gifts. Family gatherings mark this day, reinforcing bonds and traditions.
Diwali Observances Across Faiths
Diwali holds special significance across multiple Dharmic faiths, each observing it in unique ways. Hindus commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, celebrating with lights, prayers, and family gatherings. Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the liberation of Guru Hargobind Ji from Mughal tyranny, with lamps and prayers symbolizing freedom and justice. Jains honor the Nirvana, or enlightenment, of Lord Mahavira, engaging in meditative rituals focused on spiritual purity. For Buddhists, particularly Newar Buddhists in Nepal, Diwali is a time to worship the goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing life’s blessings, and they celebrate with lights, dances, and cultural gatherings, showcasing Diwali's rich spiritual and cultural diversity across religions.
Regional Celebrations Across India
In India, Diwali celebrations reflect the country’s regional diversity, each area adding unique customs to the festival. In North India, people celebrate with elaborate lighting, fireworks, and prayers to Lakshmi, emphasizing the return of Lord Rama. South India focuses on family gatherings and simpler rituals, with a strong emphasis on oil baths and early morning prayers. East India observes Kali Puja, honoring the goddess Kali for her strength and empowerment. Meanwhile, in West India, Diwali marks a time for new beginnings, with Maharashtrians and Gujaratis observing traditions that often signify the start of a new fiscal year. Together, these regional customs weave a vibrant and diverse tapestry of Diwali traditions across India.
Diwali's Economic Impact
Diwali’s cultural significance is matched by its immense economic impact. Each year, Diwali contributes an estimated $70 billion to $80 billion USD to the global economy.
Diwali significantly boosts economic activity, both within India and globally. In India, retail sales surge to an impressive $40-50 billion USD during the festival period, with gold and jewelry purchases spiking on Dhanteras. The automotive and real estate sectors also see a 15-40% increase in sales. The holiday season further fuels the job market, creating approximately 800,000 temporary jobs in retail and logistics. Diwali's economic footprint extends beyond India, with global diaspora communities in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia contributing to this impact. In the US alone, Diwali-related spending adds an estimated $1-2 billion to the economy. Meanwhile, e-commerce thrives during Diwali, with India’s online retail sector seeing an estimated $6-9 billion in sales in 2023, underscoring a global trend in Diwali-driven online shopping.
Diwali - a celebration of unity, joy, and the triumph of light over darkness, celebrated by billions around the world. With its rich traditions, regional diversity, and immense cultural and economic impact, Diwali stands as a testament to the enduring values of community, prosperity, and shared humanity.
Subh Diwali
Happy Diwali
