Deepavali 2023: How The Accela Team is Celebrating

Wishing everyone a joyous Deepavali 2023! As we embrace the festival of lights, let's come together to celebrate this special occasion. In anticipation of the upcoming festivities, we've gathered insights from the Accela team on their favourite Deepavali memories and their plans for celebration this year.

Bhavna Kewlani - Senior Finance Associate

What I love most about Deepavali is going home. Deepavali is all about cherishing special moments with family, and munching on snacks and sweets made by my mom. I love watching the entire neighbourhood lit up with the Diwali lights and traditional Diyas.

My favourite Deepavali dish is “Sindhi Besan Curry” and this year, I plan to celebrate Deepavali by embarking on a holiday to Bangkok.

Deeksha Bhatnagar - Finance Manager

Deepavali is a cherished festival that I eagerly wait for every year. I love decorating my home, shopping for clothes and jewellery, and hosting Diwali gatherings for my friends and family.Diwali is a celebration of love, happiness, togetherness and forgiveness and that's what I love the most about it.

During Deepavali, the sweets that I enjoy the most are laddoos, gulab jamun, and jalebi. I am fond of savoury snacks like samosas, pakoras, and different types of chaats.

I'm looking forward to celebrating the festival with my friends and family, and we have numerous get-togethers planned, where I will be performing dance, hosting games, and, of course, enjoying delicious food. This year, I'm also excited to volunteer at my son's school Diwali event, where I'll have the chance to speak and share the significance and history of the Diwali festival.

Erin Padilla - CEO & Co-founder

I love Deepavali for the beautiful lighting and, most of all, the snacks! They are all delicious. I can’t name a favourite. 😊

This year, I’ll have a non-traditional Deepavali, as I’m celebrating American Thanksgiving with friends on Monday. I’m looking forward to spending the holiday surrounded by loved ones. 

Jean Ho - Talent Coordinator

My personal favourite part about Deepavali is the vibrant street lighting that adds an extra sparkle to the festivities. Also, spending quality time bonding with friends and family.

I can't resist a good plate of chicken curry – It has become a tradition for me, especially when I get invited by friends to celebrate. There's something about the rich flavours and aromatic spices that make it an irresistible choice. Unfortunately, I'll be missing Deepavali this year as I've planned a short getaway to Ho Chi Minh.

Ranjini Padattil - Finance Associate

What I love the most about Deepavali are the beautiful lights that decorate many homes, the lovely dresses worn by all and a beautiful holiday to spend time with family. My favourite Deepavali dish is Gulab Jamun and I’ll be lighting up my home, trying out Rangoli, and bursting firecrackers at a friend's house for the festival this year. 

Sreekutty Kottoor Rajan - Finance Associate

Deepavali is called the festival of lights and I love this part of the year very much. I celebrate with my sisters, and in my childhood we used to light lamps and decorate our homes during Deepavali, and there would be crackers everywhere.

My mom cooks a variety of special dishes during this time and Red coloured laddu is my favourite one. Though I didn't celebrate much after coming to Singapore, this time I have plans to celebrate like I used to in my childhood with lights and decorations.

Yi Lin Lou - Finance Associate

Having the time to gather our friends and family together to enjoy the delicious deepavali treats and also having an additional day to rest is my favourite part of Deepavali. I'm not really a big fan of Indian cuisine but I love Samosa and I couldn't resist myself to stop eating. 

I won't be celebrating Deepavali this year as I will be heading over to Malaysia to visit my grandparents for the long weekends.