From decorating offices with rangolis and diyas to indulging in culinary delights and spending time with their ‘extended’ family, diplomats share the joy of celebrating the great Indian festival of lights. As told to Vaishali Dar
Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India
‘Diwali has held a special magic for me’
Close to heart: From the time I was a student experiencing India for the first time, Diwali has held a special magic for me. The meaning of the festival is so pure, and so important—light triumphing over darkness. It’s a holiday filled with so much warmth, love and joy—a celebration of hope even on the darkest night. These messages are so important to the world. Though I’ve experienced Diwali many times overseas, this will be my family’s first celebration here in India. I can’t wait to celebrate with my Indian colleagues at the Embassy and with Indian friends across the country.
Festive flavours: In terms of culinary preparations, how can you pick just one? The US Embassy is planning a huge celebration for our team, and there are so many amazing flavours I can’t wait to try, both savoury and sweet—homemade samosas, onion bhaji, gulab jamun. I’m sure I’ll gain at least a few pounds. I’m going to make some ‘peanut laddoo buckeye balls’—a mashup of Indian and American sweets—and to do some experiments with chaat that includes tortilla strips and Mexican chillies.
Fond memories: Diwali is usually centred in the Indian communities there (US), but often reaching far beyond. Indian-Americans have had a profound positive impact on the tapestry of US culture, and we welcome the chance to learn from each other and celebrate with each other. I’ll never forget when my daughter came home from school—she was six-years old—singing a Diwali song she learned in her class. Diwali is increasingly celebrated across America, by Indian-Americans and their friends alike. Today, national stores like Costco, Target and Hallmark all sell supplies for Diwali celebrations. In some cities, thousands gather at temples and community centres to bask in the light and enjoy the festivities. I’ve got many fond Diwali memories from events in my hometown of Los Angeles. After all, where better to celebrate the festival of lights than the city where everyone’s a star? At City Hall in Los Angeles, we usually have dancing, food and rituals that celebrate Diwali in our City Council Chambers, which I had the pleasure of initiating years ago.
Simon Wong Wie Kuen, High Commissioner of Singapore to India
‘We will continue to build on our shared cultural heritage’
Major festival: In the lead-up to this year’s festivities, I would like to take the opportunity to share with you how the ‘festival of lights’ is celebrated in Singapore, but first, let me wish all our Indian friends a bright, joyous, and prosperous Diwali! Diwali, or Deepavali, as it is referred to in Singapore, is also one of our major festivals. It has been celebrated in Singapore observably from at least the early 20th century. Declared as an annual public holiday in Singapore since 1929, the festivities are enjoyed by Singaporeans from all walks of life.
In Singapore, the celebrations take place in households. Typically, preparations start weeks in advance with the cleaning and decorating of the house. The doorways of homes are decorated with diyas and rangoli (also known as kolam). Lighted diyas are placed at doorways to draw auspicious energies into the home. The lighting of oil lamps also signifies the triumph of good over evil.
New clothes are worn during Deepavali, representing a new start and a hope that the individual will become a better person. The men usually wear traditional attire such as the dhoti and jippa. Women usually wear the sari or salwar kameez. In the run-up to Deepavali, many may visit goldsmiths to purchase jewellery and shop for new clothes. Little India, the heart of Singapore’s Indian community, is the focal point for festive shopping.
Little India will be lit up in the festive period leading up to Deepavali. Events featuring Indian music and entertainment are regularly planned at a variety of venues during this period, and Deepavali has entered firmly into the mainstream of holidays celebrated in Singapore. Large numbers of locals and tourists from all communities visit Little India during the Deepavali period to enjoy the festivities and lights.
Diyas and delicacies: Food is also an important part of the celebrations, and south Indians like to start their meals on Deepavali with something sweet to signify a good beginning. Popular food served during Deepavali include mithai, adhirasam, murukku, and vadai. Today, it is common to come across local delicacies such as pineapple tarts, makmur and steamed fruit cakes, which are served during Deepavali and other festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas.
Leading up to Deepavali, numerous Tamil families make padayal offerings as a way to pray and remember their ancestors. In this ritual, prayers are often offered to the family’s deceased members, through the lighting of oil lamps, the burning of incense, and an offering of various food items, including savouries and sweets, placed on banana leaves.
Whereas the religious aspects of the festival continue to be family affairs, by and large at home or at the temple, community centres across Singapore host Deepavali shows and dinners to celebrate the festival, and for all communities to come together and enjoy the festivities.
Community support: Project Give (PG), the Singapore Indian Development Association’s (SINDA) flagship fundraising event, has been held since 2001 to raise funds for the educational and financial needs of the Indian community, while raising awareness for SINDA’s programmes and support for the community. Taking place during the festive season leading up to Deepavali, Project Give sees many community partners, volunteers, and organisations working with SINDA to generate festive cheer and support those in need during the festive season.
Good over evil: Deepavali is today firmly engraved in Singapore’s national consciousness, transcending the Indian community’s experience of it, and has become an occasion for non-Hindus and non-Indians to learn about Indian culture—a bridge to promote greater understanding. My sincere wish for this year’s Deepavali/Diwali, and beyond, is that good will triumph over evil and Singapore and India will continue to build on our shared cultural heritage and lasting friendship.
Here, at the Singapore High Commission in Delhi, we light up the premises and decorate the office with diyas and rangoli.
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India
‘I’ll be eating my fair share of kaju katli’
Eclectic mix: It is a pleasure and an honour to represent my country abroad, especially in a country with as diverse and deep culture as India. One of the best features of my job is attending a truly eclectic mix of festivals—from seeing Delhi lit up in all its glory for Diwali to visiting the gorgeous Durga Puja pandals in CR Park, hosting Christmas carols for colleagues at the British residence or seeing Jama Masjid at evening prayer during Eid. Better still to celebrate these festivals with my ‘extended’ Indian family at the British High Commission. Every year for Diwali, we decorate our office with rangolis, diyas and fun.
Food & more: I will try just about anything you give me, though I learned the hard way about spice through a powerful Lal Maas and my body doesn’t deal quite as easily with a gulab jamun as when I first lived here 35 years ago. But if it’s Diwali, you can rest assured, I’ll be eating my fair share of kaju katli.
Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India
‘Appreciate how Diwali brings joy, positivity’
Joy & unity: I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating Diwali with the Indian community and friends in Australia, as well as in several of the countries I have served in as a diplomat. Looking forward to my first Diwali here in India, sharing celebrations with friends and my High Commission colleagues. The High Commission family comes together for a grand celebration in the lead-up to Diwali. I am told there are dance performances, games, a fashion show and a lot of Indian mithais (sweets). I very much appreciate that Diwali brings a sense of joy, unity and positivity to the lives of my Indian friends and colleagues.
Global festival: Australia’s Indian diaspora forms the living bridge between our countries. The Indian community is Australia’s second-largest and fastest growing, overseas-born group, and the country’s million-strong community of people of Indian heritage makes Diwali celebrations a feature from coast to coast. During Diwali, various cities in Australia organise public events and festivities to celebrate the festival. These events often feature vibrant fireworks displays, cultural performances, food stalls and art exhibitions, attracting people from across our multicultural community to learn about Indian culture. Many public spaces will be decorated with lights and motifs, and special permits are often granted for organising fireworks displays. In Canberra, the Hindu Council of Australia has celebrated Diwali at the Parliament House since 2004.