Embracing Diwali in the Heart of the Netherlands

For the past six years, I've had the pleasure of celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, in the vibrant multicultural landscape of the Netherlands. As someone born in Argentina, originally from Chile, and now living in the heart of Europe, my journey with Diwali has been a unique tapestry of cultures and traditions. This blog aims to shed light on my experiences, the historical significance of Diwali, and how my diverse background enriches my celebration of this beautiful festival.

I first encountered Diwali when I moved to the Netherlands. The festival, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, captivated me with its rich traditions and the warmth it brings to communities. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, primarily by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The name Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit words "deepa" (lamp) and "avali" (row), symbolizing rows of lit lamps. The festival spans five days and marks various historical events and legends, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, and the worship of the goddess Lakshmi.

Living in the Netherlands has allowed me to experience a beautiful blend of cultures. Diwali here is celebrated not just by the Indian diaspora but embraced by people from various backgrounds. My workplace, 微软 , is a prime example of this diversity. Our office hosted a Diwali celebration with delicious food like Jalebi and Vada Pav, also known as the Indian Burger, which I learned originates from Mumbai. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for the inclusive environment at Microsoft, where we celebrate and share our cultures.

Over the years, I have developed my own Diwali traditions. From decorating my home with diyas (oil lamps) and rangoli (colorful patterns), to sharing festive meals, Diwali has become a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Each year, I take the time to clean and decorate my home, a tradition rooted in welcoming the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Lighting diyas symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the spreading of knowledge.

Diwali is not just about the physical lights; it’s about lighting up hearts and spreading joy.

As I prepare to reconnect with my Argentinean roots, Diwali serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage. It's fascinating how celebrations like Diwali can bridge gaps between different cultures, creating a sense of unity and shared joy. The principles of Diwali—triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance—resonate universally, making it a festival that transcends cultural boundaries.

Before moving to the Netherlands, I spent about 15 years living in Thailand. During my time there, I immersed myself in traditional Thai festivities like Loy Krathong and Songkran (the Water Festival). These celebrations were a significant part of my life, and they share a common thread with Diwali – the use of light and water to symbolize renewal and purification. Celebrating Diwali often brings back fond memories of my time in Thailand, adding another layer of personal connection to the festival.

Diwali is celebrated in various ways around the world, reflecting the local customs and traditions. In India, each region has its unique way of celebrating. For instance, in West Bengal, the festival coincides with Kali Puja, where the goddess Kali is worshipped. In South India, the focus is on the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. In the UK, particularly in Leicester, Diwali is one of the largest festivals outside of India, with grand celebrations that include lighting ceremonies, music, dance, and fireworks.

In the Caribbean, countries like Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Diwali with vibrant parades and cultural programs, highlighting the Indo-Caribbean heritage. In Singapore and Malaysia, the festival is marked by colorful decorations and community events, showcasing the blend of Indian culture in the Southeast Asian context.

Recently, I accepted a new responsibility to support the cultural pillar of Diversity and Inclusion within the Partner Success Organization at Microsoft, while still being a Global Evangelist. This opportunity thrills me as it allows me to continue connecting globally with all our teams and learning more about different cultures. I am looking forward to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can share their unique traditions and experiences. Our Diwali celebration at work was a testament to this commitment, with colleagues coming together to learn about and celebrate this beautiful festival.

Celebrating Diwali in the Netherlands has been a journey of embracing diversity and finding joy in cultural connections. The festival has not only allowed me to stay connected to Indian culture but also to share this beautiful tradition with my colleagues and friends from different backgrounds. The inclusive atmosphere at my workplace, coupled with the rich cultural tapestry of the Netherlands, has made Diwali a truly special time of year.

As I look forward to my next Diwali, I am thrilled to continue this tradition, bringing a piece of my heart from every place I've lived. The light of Diwali symbolizes hope, joy, and the triumph of good, values that resonate deeply within me as I navigate my diverse cultural journey.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Venkateswara GANI for being kind enough to meet me during this celebration, despite the challenges posed by our working hours and priorities. It's also a pleasure to acknowledge Nikita Dandwani for the amazing henna tattoo she drew on my hand. She is undoubtedly a talented artist. It's wonderful to know that there are so many great colleagues at Microsoft Netherlands to grab a coffee or lunch with. So, if you are in the Netherlands, I extend an open invite to ping me via Teams, and let's grab a coffee if we're in the office.