Celebrating Diwali - The difference between tokenism and actual inclusivity

As Diwali approaches, it's not just a time to celebrate the Festival of Lights, but also a moment to reflect on how workplaces engage with cultural diversity. As a second-generation Fijian Indian, I know firsthand the importance of Diwali. It’s a time when families and communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Growing up, Diwali wasn’t just about the beautiful lights or the delicious food - it was a time to connect, to give, and to celebrate our shared values as a community.

Now, as we celebrate Diwali in more diverse environments like the workplace, there’s a fine line between embracing these celebrations meaningfully and slipping into tokenism. For me, seeing Diwali acknowledged at work is heartwarming, but it’s also clear when the gestures are just surface-level. I thought I would share my personal perspective on celebrating Diwali in the workplace, but also with the growing multicultural communities in Australia.

Tokenism vs. Inclusivity: What’s the Difference?

Tokenism happens when companies make shallow gestures, like putting up a Diwali-themed banner or sharing a generic "Happy Diwali" message, without deeper engagement. It can feel performative, like the company is acknowledging the holiday simply to tick a diversity box, rather than valuing its cultural significance.

On the other hand, inclusivity means recognising and respecting the deeper meaning of Diwali and ensuring celebrations are meaningful and authentic. This involves educating the wider workplace about the festival and creating spaces where everyone feels involved and valued.

My Experience with Diwali and Inclusivity

In the Fijian Indian community, Diwali has always been a time when we came together, not just to celebrate with family, but with our extended community. It was about solidarity, support, and celebrating shared values of light, prosperity, and community spirit. When I see workplaces acknowledge Diwali today, I hope they do so in a way that reflects those same values—celebrating not just with Indian employees but with everyone, as a way to build connections across cultures.

How to Avoid Tokenism and Embrace Inclusivity

Go Beyond the Surface

• Don’t just share a “Happy Diwali” message; take the time to educate the team on what the festival truly means. Diwali is about light overcoming darkness, and it holds different meanings across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. As I’ve seen in my community, it's also a time for reflection, giving, and celebrating community ties.

Action Step: Host an interactive session where employees who celebrate Diwali, like myself, can share stories and personal experiences. This creates a deeper understanding and fosters genuine connections.

Respect for Traditions

• Diwali involves important rituals and family time, often stretching over several days. Offering flexible hours or leave for those celebrating can demonstrate respect for these traditions. Growing up, I remember how important it was to be present with family during the festival, especially on the main Diwali day.

Action Step: Ensure your workplace policies allow for flexibility around cultural and religious holidays, offering time off or flexible hours for those celebrating.

Involve Everyone

• Diwali should not be seen as an “Indian” holiday but as an opportunity for the entire workplace to come together. Just like in my community where Diwali brings people from all walks of life together, workplaces should encourage everyone to participate, whether it's through cooking traditional sweets, decorating the office, or joining in on virtual celebrations.

Action Step: Organise inclusive Diwali events that everyone can join, such as a community cooking day, diya lighting, or a cultural exchange where employees share what Diwali means to them.

Commit to Year-Round Inclusivity

• Diwali is one opportunity to celebrate diversity, but true inclusivity happens year-round. Celebrating Diwali should be part of a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion. Growing up, Diwali was just one of many times we celebrated our culture, but what made it special was the community spirit, which wasn’t limited to one festival.

Action Step: Make cultural inclusivity a regular part of your workplace culture by celebrating other significant holidays from different communities. Acknowledge the diversity within your workforce and foster an environment of mutual respect and learning.

Empower Community Giving

• Diwali is also a time of giving, whether through charity or helping those in need. One of my fondest memories growing up was seeing how our community would come together to support each other, ensuring everyone could participate in the celebrations. This spirit of giving can be embraced in the workplace through charitable initiatives that reflect the values of Diwali.

Action Step: Encourage employees to give back to the community during Diwali by organising a charity drive, sponsoring local causes, or supporting underprivileged groups.

For me, Diwali is about connection, community, and reflection. When I see workplaces genuinely celebrating Diwali, it’s heartening because it signals a deeper respect for the values that this festival represents. But the key to ensuring that Diwali is celebrated meaningfully is moving beyond tokenism—ensuring that every gesture is backed by a genuine commitment to inclusivity and cultural respect.

Workplaces that foster inclusivity through Diwali do more than just put up decorations or send out emails. They listen, engage, and involve their employees in meaningful ways, ensuring that every celebration, every cultural moment, is an opportunity to build deeper connections across diverse backgrounds.

As we celebrate Diwali this year, let’s light up not just our homes but our workplaces with the spirit of inclusivity, understanding, and togetherness.

Happy Diwali from my community to yours!