Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. It is usually celebrated between mid-September and mid-November with celebrations often lasting 5 – 6 days. To celebrate Diwali, we caught up with hospital pharmacist, Bhavisha Patel who shares how she celebrates, how workplaces can support those who celebrate and how Diwali can have an impact on mental health and wellbeing.
How do you personally celebrate Diwali and what are the most meaningful aspects of the festival for you?
Prior to Diwali, we tidy our houses so, when Diwali arrives, we can light diyas or other lights such as candles to welcome God into our homes. As a family, we perform Lakshmi Puja (rituals performed for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi) in our own homes for prosperity for the upcoming year. Family gatherings are my personal highlight – everyone coming together under one roof, an abundance of yummy food, fireworks and fun! No celebration would be complete without the mandatory visit to the temple, especially on Hindu New Year.
How can workplaces acknowledge and celebrate Diwali?
In the past, my workplace has acknowledged and even celebrated Diwali. My personal highlight has been a celebratory lunch with colleagues from all faiths and even those who don’t believe, coming together bringing all sorts of dishes ranging from Indian sweets and samosas to a pack of multipack crisps! I think it’s important to raise awareness and understanding of Diwali among colleagues. There are lots of ways to do this, such as inviting people to take part in the festivities – whether this be at home, at work or even a visit to the temple allows people to start having conversations about Diwali, which is a great way of understanding how different people celebrate the festival.
Supporting wellbeing during Diwali
One of the easiest ways of supporting wellbeing of colleagues who celebrate is simply by acknowledging the festival. Wishing someone who celebrates Diwali goes a long way! For teams who have a large number of people who celebrate Diwali in the department, I think it’s important that managers consider putting a holiday protocol into place whereby a set number of people are allowed off to celebrate and that there are enough people left to run day-to-day activities in a just manner. These small adjustments and considerations can really help to support colleagues balance work responsibilities and personal celebrations.
How does celebrating Diwali contribute to your overall wellbeing, both personally and professionally?
Celebrating Diwali reminds me both in my personal and professional life that any obstacles that I am facing can be overcome, and I usually use the Hindu New Year to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. For example, last year I prayed that I was able to complete my independent prescribing qualification after waiting several years for the “right time” to pursue it and this year I can now look to how I can better help my patients by being an independent prescriber. I usually participate in volunteering at Neasden Temple during Diwali and whether its selfless service performed at the temple or providing care for my patients, in the joy of others truly lies our own.
