Deepavali 2022: How The Accela Team is Celebrating

Photo by Suchandra Roy Chowdhury on Unsplash

After two years of limited and restricted celebrations, Deepavali 2022 will be an opportunity for many families to gather again for the occasion. Deepavali, or Diwali, means “rows of lighted lamps.” The Hindu-originating festival is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, now observed by most Indians around the world, regardless of their faith. 

In anticipation of the upcoming celebrations, we’re rounding up how some of the Accela team will be spending the holiday.

Abigail Lazarus, Communications Executive

“Deepavali is a time for your family and friends to reconnect, and enjoy the love and warmth! This year will be filled with visits to see my friends and family, especially since there is an ease in the rules, and dressing up in our best traditional outfits for the occasion.

What I’m really looking forward to, though, is the abundance of Indian dishes to have, like Briyani, pepper mutton, and masala chicken! There’s also so many snacks to anticipate, such as murukku, sugee cookies, cakes, and the quintessential Singapore favourite, pineapple tarts! Can’t wait!”

Deeksha Bhatnagar, Senior Finance Associate

“Diwali stands for the triumph of spiritual light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a five-day festival, but for me, it is a whole month of festivities.

Many families head to the park to play with sparklers in the evening. By Jaelynn Castillo, Unsplash.

I am super excited this year, as our extended family from India is with us in Singapore for celebrations. Also, after COVID restrictions were lifted we are going to celebrate the festival with our close and dear ones whom we have not seen for a long time. I have already started shopping for Diwali celebrations and preparing for Diwali get-together.

Not many people abroad know that Diwali is a five-day festival. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. On this day, it’s traditional to clean the family home. We purchase some silver or gold jewellery, and new clothes. It is considered very auspicious. 

Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) is the second day of the festival. We decorate our home with lights, lit Diya’s, lamps and prepare rangoli with colours. 

 The third day of Diwali is Lakshmi Puja. It is the main day of the festival. We start our day with prayers. We prepare feasts for our family and dear ones.In evening we lit clay lamps, candles and lit fireworks. My son looks forward to sparklers every year.

On day four is Govardhan Puja, we visit our friends and relatives. Or invite them to our place and celebrate the festival together. In the Hindu tradition, this is the first day of the new year.

Finally, one of my favourite days is Bhai Dooj which is on the fifth day of Diwali. It is a celebration of the special bond that exists between siblings. Traditionally, adult brothers visit their sisters’ homes on this day, often bringing gifts. The sisters, in turn, may prepare feasts and pray for their brothers’ protection and well-being. I am going to miss my brothers on bhai dooj as they live in India - hopefully next year I will celebrate bhai dooj with my brothers.

Wishing you warmth, love, and light this Diwali and all year long. From our family to yours Happy Diwali!!”

Nishanthi Soundarajan, Corporate Secretary Lead

“I'm really excited and looking forward to Deepavali this year for much-awaited celebrations with family and friends after a hiatus with Covid-19 restrictions since 2020. We have done all our shopping for new outfits, cookies, home decorations and sparklers. 

On the day of Deepavali, we will gather with our family for prayers at home where we will seek blessings. We will then give our kids their new outfits. They will seek our blessings and we will give them our little red packets. We will then doll up and get ourselves ready to start off our day to our parents' places. We will see our siblings, uncles, aunties and cousins at their houses to catch up over really some deliciously home cooked food. In the evening, we will play with fire sparklers and have loads of fun. Can't wait to create great memories on Deepavali this year!”

Savitha Raman, Finance Manager

“My plans for Deepavali are to start the day with rangoli, prayers and fireworks.

I am also planning on making Indian snacks and just one sweet - as I am not great at making sweets! The menu for the day is Pongal (rice mixed with lentils and other spices), Vadai (savoury fried fritters) and Potato Fry, made in my air fryer.”

Sending love and light to all this Deepavali, from all of us at Accela.