Embracing Diwali Celebrations: Fostering Cultural Inclusivity in the Workplace

Hi,

I am planning to celebrate Diwali in my office with some activities. Please suggest me some ideas.

Regards,
Kavita Sharma

Hi Kavita,

You can organize the following by dividing staff into different teams:

- Diwali-based fashion show.
- Comic skits (spoofs on TV serials, ads, movies).
- Rangoli competition using diyas, bulbs, etc. (related to Diwali).
- And of course, asking the employees to be in traditional wear and then choosing the best-dressed male and best-dressed female.

- Payal

Hi Kavita,

What we do is organize a small Diwali mela in our office. We get some food caterers to set up small stalls for exciting food and have other stalls for games like card games, puzzle-solving, and huddle games, etc. We also hire a photographer to take photographs. The entire office is decorated with flowers and lights. Everyone dresses in Indian outfits. In the main reception area, we have a professional rangoli made and decorate it with diyas and all. It's always fun to do all this a day before Diwali.

Hope this information is useful for you.

Jasneet

Dear Friends,

Diwali Get Together

Apart from the activities suggested by our friends, you can organize an employee get-together to facilitate the exchange of greetings. Lighting the lamp symbolizes a bright future for everybody, sharing the significance of the Diwali Festival, discussing the overall perspective of the business's future. Giving a Silver Lakshmi coin to each employee and having a High Tea are some ideas. You can add much more to this. Allocate just one hour for this function.

Regards,
N.R. Srinivas

Gentlemen,

Don't you think it's ridiculous? What is the difference in the workplace regarding your private affairs? Do you expect employees to publicly disclose their emotions and preferences?

India is a great country with multicultural, religious, linguistic, and regional festivities. All these private affairs are meant for celebrating at home with close friends, relatives, and family members. Public display at the office or workplace limited to greetings is a gesture of socializing. However, that should not be officially promoted as a ritual or mandatory event.

Regards,

Sawant

We organize housie/tambola every year on the occasion of Diwali and give away electronic items as gifts to the employees. People actually look forward to this day and eagerly await to play the game. Also, we have a snacks party while playing so everyone enjoys it to the fullest.

Dear Sawant, this is not ridiculous!

This is the only way to celebrate the festival with colleagues as a family member. Think about those companies that have a 24/7 environment, where employees are not supposed to go home to celebrate with family members. This is the only way to provide them with an environment as if they are at home.

Seeing the smiles on employees' faces is the duty of HR.

Hope you understand!

Well, I wish you a very happy Diwali in advance!

Regards,

Pankaj Chandan

Those who work 24/7 are bad organizations, and those who spread this concept are engaging in bad HR practices. Except for some industrial nature activities such as oil & gas offshore exploration or space aviation, working 24/7 can be understood, but not in a commercial/industrial entity.

Celebrations in the office should be for success and achievements, not for festivity or cultural events. There are many festivals exclusive to women that cannot be celebrated in the office. This is ridiculous.

Regards,
Sawant

Mr. Sawant, first of all, your language is not professional. We are not talking about an individual; we are talking about celebrating the Diwali festival. I see that you have some problem with celebrating the Diwali festival. Am I right? If not, then why do you use this kind of language? One more thing, you are not supposed to stop anyone from celebrating any festival.

Correct your words!!

Regards,

Pankaj Chandan

Dear Mr. Sawant,

It seems that staying in Saudi Arabia, you have restricted yourself too much. It seems you have forgotten to even display your emotions like happiness, brotherhood, oneness, etc. publicly. You make it seem as if celebrating a festival is a big crime.

Remember the adage "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." One's workplace is not supposed to be a detention camp where people are supposed to come, keep a straight face, and just do nothing but work and leave.

Only if there is some camaraderie between the staff will they actually enjoy their work and be more productive. Celebrating a festival like Diwali goes a long way in building up this spirit of brotherhood, unity, etc., and it gives the employees a feeling that their organization does not treat them as just machines but as human beings and does care for their happiness and well-being.

If you have any contrary opinions, you are free to follow them, but please do not try to impose your views on others. Do take care of your language while writing; it might sound offensive to others.

Language seems to be okay; nothing wrong with language at all. Let's take all comments professionally. Diwali is Diwali, and celebrations remain celebrations, but it's a debate about celebrations in the office and establishing them as customary or privileges. Social greetings are a part of office culture, as well as festivity greetings, but all this is limited to greetings, not celebrations in the office sponsored by the office to organize cultural events. It is something resembling working in and attending school or college gatherings. This is not good for the decorum and dignity of workplace ethics. If you think otherwise, that's your personal opinion; there is no restriction on sharing opinions.

Regards, Sawant

I am totally in favour of Mr. Pankaj. Well, Mr. Sawant, I think culture and festivals are made to be celebrated with everyone. It's not limited to only family and relatives. Well, it depends on each company's ethics and atmosphere. As you reside in Saudi, you feel accordingly. Maybe your company's ethics don't follow it, and you have no objection to it. But this does not apply to all. The topic was not for debate, but to understand different ways to celebrate Diwali in the office. I think every true Indian will definitely be in favour of Mr. Pankaj.

Mr. Sawant,

Your language seems to be okay as per you only, not for others. I am sure that you don't know the meaning of celebration.

Actually, you are having a problem with Diwali Celebration in the office, but my dear friend, even we are celebrating individuals' birthdays in the office to show our concern towards employees. It is because of this that we have strong and positive attitude employees in the organization. Maybe you would have a problem with this as well. Well, I have a list of events for you. Please go through it because we celebrate these as well:

1) 26th January
2) 15th August
3) Eid
4) Dussehra
5) Diwali
6) Guru Nanak Birthday
7) New Year
8) Christmas
9) Vishwakarma Puja
10) Navratri, etc.

Do you have a problem with these as well? You are requested to let us know.

Regards,

Pankaj

Mr. Sawant, you have edited your previous message, indicating "celebration of women's pregnancy in the office." Thank you very much for removing those words from your message.

Be careful while sending messages because your messages are visible to all.

Regards,

Pankaj

Mr. Pankaj,

I think you are wasting your precious time trying to make him (Sawant) understand. Talking to such people is merely depleting your energy. He requires some mental health assistance. God bless him, those in touch with him, and of course, the people working in his organization.

Take care, Pankaj.

Goodbye,
Tina

Hello Mr. Sawant,

It is NOT ridiculous. As senior members in the field, we must respect the sentiments of all those who work in 24/7 organizations and the promoters of such organizations. Police force, fire brigade, health care staff are a few I wish to mention here for you who are not in 'commercial' activity. I only pity that you are probably caught up in a country where such get-together is remaining a pipe dream for many.

In fact, I work for an American client, and in my organization, we have the privilege of celebrating major Indian festivities, and all my staff attend to routine (foregoing the pleasure of being with the family members), and we call that a working holiday! The events we organize help in retention besides helping the staff move closely with the peer group.

Hi,

Diwali celebrations are an occasion that would bring employees closer together. You can make it mandatory for employees to be dressed in ethnic wear. Additionally, you can arrange for a high tea, distribute sweets, and provide a packet of Diyas/candles for the employees. Ask them to decorate the office with flowers and Rangoli. You can also organize a Diwali lucky draw for the employees.

Dear Mr. Sawant,

First of all, I would like to agree to disagree with you on your opinion of celebration in the office. Celebrations are a part of Indian culture. If you notice Hindus will have more festivals spread across everywhere. We have lots of fun and entertainment even in a marriage; otherwise, it would be a lot of tension and anxious moments for the parents and the bride's family. That is our beauty. All corporates celebrate every festival to cheer up the employees, which is like recharging the batteries to get better productivity. They allocate big budgets for this purpose. Employees also look forward to the celebrations to showcase their talents. It is the responsibility of the HR team to bring out the hidden talents of the employees during these entertainments.

Secondly, your language is unacceptable by any standards. You might have a difference of opinion, but there is a way to express your opinion. Kindly express yourself in a softer way so that others are not offended. This is my humble request to you.

Thank you anyway.

Regards,

Jayaram.

Dear Ms. Kavita,

Plan the events before Diwali so that there is one event on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions:

Day 1 - House: Try your luck.
Day 2 - Hitting Bull's Eye: If you're bored with daily target achieving, try hitting the target.
Day 3 - Bollywood Quiz: Show that you are the biggest Bollywood fan by answering these simple questions.

Hope this will help you.

With Best Regards,
Bapu Kadam

Hi,

Thanks to all of you. But please give me some more innovative ideas. I am looking forward to a great response.

Also, I would like to ask Mr. Bapu Kadam for a "Bollywood Quiz." How can I get this quiz material, I mean the questionnaire?

Kavita Sharma

Hi Sawant,

I do agree with you that we should have celebrations for achievements. As most of us spend around 9 hours every day at work, we tend to build relationships with all our colleagues. Therefore, celebrating a festival at the office with some games will help in team building. It could just be an event for 2-3 hours, but it will spread a lot of happiness across the team and give the employees a break from their regular schedule, which otherwise becomes very monotonous. Today, the work culture has changed a lot. It's not the old ways that we used to follow. It's the HR's duty to ensure they come up with activities that can motivate the employees.

Regards,
Bindhya:)

Hi Kavitha,

It looks like we all got into the debate and forgot to answer your questions. Well, we are planning the following events at our office:

Fire up the Ramp – A fashion show open to all; anybody can walk the ramp, and the best-dressed employee will be crowned as Mr./Miss Ethnic.

* Ek Minit Ka Bhadsha – A well-known one-minute show. Enjoy the thrill for a minute, beat your opponents, and become the Bhadsha.

* Five to Fame – An opportunity to showcase your talent, whether it's dancing, singing, playing instruments, mimicry, jokes, shayari, or anything else you can share, and be the star of the evening.

Mr. Sawant is correct, but the point is, major people in India are lazy, and most lazy are the HR. They first initiate and celebrate festivals in the office, spoiling decorum. This closeness comes about by celebrating events and festivals, leading colleagues to become overly personal. HR terms the colleagues' relations as that of family members. This is ridiculous, totally funny, and it's a sad thing that none of the HR could understand the difference between professional life and personal life. People prefer to celebrate Diwali with friends and family members, not with colleagues and bosses. Most employees HATE THE HR, so don't seek the ill wishes of your employees. Allow them to rest at home, rather than forcing them to come to the office and participate in your foolish acts. Even though your employees dislike your games and arrangements, they still must show you a smile since you are the big boss. Wise up, learned HRs, it's time to use your decisions wisely.

Hi Ravi,

No organization calls their employees to come to the office to celebrate festivals. It only happens on the day before the festival. Also, I am not sure where you are from that you are classifying Indians as lazy. That could be because you do not believe in fun at work and you just want to work throughout without any relaxation. It would obviously make anybody lazy. As for employees hating HR, it depends on the kind of HR they have; not all are hated.

Dear all, I suggest you to steer clear of sarcasm and sarcastic remarks towards HR personnel who may be perceived as lazy. They may not realize that HR is the backbone of any organization. I wonder if there is internet connectivity on SATURN 🤔.

Good suggestions... My employees love and look forward to any and all celebrations at the office. They eagerly anticipate the next one. As management, we carefully budget for these expenses with perfect planning. Whether it's birthday bashes, individual and team achievements, organizational milestones, or festivals, every occasion is a time for celebration.

In my office, we also bond by watching movies together on Friday evenings. All employees prefer to enjoy this time with their colleagues in the office. To those who may consider such activities a waste of HR's time, I say, keep a happy mindset. It was unnecessary to bring up HR in a query that was meant to spread positivity. People should prioritize happiness and spreading joy, rather than making unprofessional remarks. I wonder how loose one's tongue can be?

Dear All,

It is very hard to make people understand who don't even know what HR exactly is. Some people think HR is lazy. It is certain that some individuals have a problem with employee happiness. They don't want to bridge the gap between Management and Employees; they prefer to rule like a dictator in the organization. With this kind of attitude, it's impossible to retain employees. Instead of offering constructive suggestions, some individuals try to harass others and even label people in India as lazy.

Treating staff as family members, celebrating birthdays and festivals, makes them happy. However, some people seem allergic to others' happiness.

There is no point in suggesting anything to such individuals because they refuse to acknowledge any mistakes.

Well, I have only one message for such individuals: "GET WELL SOON."

Regards,

Pankaj Chandan

Hi there,

I regret for my comments to draw a line between what is official and not official activities.
Festival celebrations in office become official business then whom to blame?
Is it really, HR domain?

Let’s, common sense prevails over sentimental and emotional outburst.

We are social but office place is work place we socialize but for greeting and meetings to express our heartiest feelings. This concept of organization as family does not necessarily mean it’s truly official business to celebrate festival in the offices.

I can see many sentiments are hurts by my comments, but some shows maturity acknowledging my comments by truly experienced HR professionals. They exhibited their interpretation and thin line which separate both issues from official to unofficial.

I have no objection for celebrating at home inviting friends and colleagues and no permission of certification required for this. But celebrating in office means it’s an issue of office decorum, decency and disciplines as well as adherence to the sense of purpose.

I know many would not agree because for them who argue in favor, this is debatable issue and will remain debatable until become matured enough to exhibit that end results for each activity counts.

This subject of post is not for seniors and experienced HR professional to comment is final conclusion.

For your information I celebrate my “Diwali” with our Indian friends in Bahrain and not in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indian community from all section and region overseas including religions celebrate Diwali in gulf and in Africa as well because I also worked in Africa and celebrated Diwali but not in office.

Happy Diwali to all,

Warm Regards

Sawant

Hi All,

I have read a few comments from Sawant, Pankaj, Tina, and Padmanaban. I feel it's an individual's perception on celebrations that makes people happy and creates a sweet curve (smile) on everyone's faces.

Mr. Sawant, please keep in mind we are here to share our experiences, suggestions, etc. We should not pass sarcastic remarks on each other. If you didn't like the idea of celebrating Diwali or had no suggestions for Diwali celebrations, you shouldn't have added your comments. You should have simply ignored it. All the queries raised in this forum are not supposed to be answered if you do not have any value to add.

Dear Pankaj,

You wanted some suggestions for Diwali Gifts. You may check for gift vouchers like Sodexo, Accor, Globus, Westside, Shopper's Stop, C&M, Reebok, maybe Fab India, etc. With Sodexo and Accor, you have a choice of multiple outlets, whereas with others, you have a selected choice. You may also give them cash and let them buy their own gifts within a time limit and submit the bills to the organization. With this option, they have a choice of buying anything of their choice and utility.

At the end, "Wishing all the members of Cite HR a very happy and prosperous Diwali."

Best wishes.

Dear Sawant,

Namaskar.

I like your attitude. Please keep it up. Marathi Manasa Jage vha. Mandal abhari aahe.

DIWALI CHYA HARDIK SHUBHECHYA.

SIDDHESH

Hi Nishi,

I request you, please do not spread myths that Diwali celebrations are an HR practice. This is damaging to HR practices in India. There is no connection except bonus payment and sharing profits as custom. Celebrations are one social activity and not commerce, trade, or industry management domain.

If you don't like comments, ignore them, but do not try to reinforce the wrong beliefs and myths in the minds of people.

Regards,
Sawant

Hi Everyone,

Happy Diwali to all members. I share the views expressed by Mr. Sawant; it's a well-measured statement. He distinguished very well the importance of this occasion of the festival and the broader agenda of HR.

Regards,
Rashid

It seems that some antisocial elements are against the happiness of others.

These types of stone-hearted people don't care about employee relations; they just want to be on top, live like ghosts, and only consider their own point of view.

It is very hard to make them understand, especially those with such a sick mentality.

I request all of you to ignore these antisocial elements and enjoy celebrating Diwali as you wish.

Everyone is encouraged to send a "GET WELL SOON" quote to these types of antisocial elements.

Regards,

Pankaj Chandan

There has been a lot of discussion on Diwali, and I strongly think it's an individual/company decision to celebrate a festival or not. Those who have some problems with celebration at the office should not post their comments, as this post was all about Diwali gifts. If you don't agree with the idea of celebrations, then you should not post your views as well. Please, Mr. Sawant and Mr. Rashid.

Hi Bug,
You seems to be very very much emotional, be professional and liberate our mind so that we also can join the party in your office.
Regards
Rashid

Hi,

I am completely agree with Nishi, if Mr. Sawant didn’t liked the idea of celebrating Diwali in Office he should have simply ignored this post. And the question being raised whether celebration is HR domain or not...then the ans is YES it is HR domain, as HR professionals are hired to look after employee relation wherein the major responsibility lies to see if an employee is happy or not.

To keep employee happy celebrations is one of the best way.

To answer the first question about suggestion on Diwali gifts:

It might be too late but still you can try if you have your vendor for Swat shirts...last year we gifted the same to our employees and believe me ppl were more than happy....this year we r gifting them lather wallets...

HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL CITEHR MEMBERS!!!!

Thanks,

Payal

Mr. Rashid,

First of all you don’t have professional etiquettes, WHAT IS BUG??, and one thing more your type people are good for nothing. It is better for you to stay at home instead of attending any kind of parties.

Stop Spreading Poison and improve your cheap mentality!!

We Australians write bugs to friends. Be open-minded and good at heart to take things with a sense of humor. Being sincere and educated does not mean we should not express opinions freely.

You are a fit candidate for a psychometric test.

Have a nice day, buddy.

Rashid Miya

Hi baby,

Initially, I thought you were inexperienced, but I feel you appear to be illiterate too. Sorry, dear. Thanks for displaying displeasure at me, but be cool, buddy. Cool down; this is not good for HR people. How do you manage your people at work? I feel sorry for them.

Take care...

Rashid Bhai

Mr. Rashid we are managing people with respect and great honor that’s why we are respectfully known as Indians.

Before that you used word “BUG” and saying that we Australians write bugs to friends and now you are using “BABY” are you sure that this is also a professional language.

I don’t understand for what purpose you are in CiteHr – Giving Suggestions or for abusing Culture and Celebrations.

It is sure that you don’t have values from your parents.

Get well soon Rashid!!

You have to take some rest!!

Regards

Pankaj Chandan

KAVITHA, the most important thing you have to do first is arrange for a bonus with a maximum of 20% as per the Bonus Act (Section 11). I hope this will make everyone happy.

Rashid ji, this type of language is not good. Girls will feel hesitation and fear to post anything to this form.

Please improve yourself.

I am sorry to say to all of you that I have started this thread to gather some information from your side. However, I have noticed that some are only interested in arguments, which I did not find nice. I did not receive any information. What is the result of my post? Please remember, we are here to share information about HR Initiatives and not to argue with anyone.

Kavita Sharma

Dear member,

This post is a classic example of Peter Drucker's quote on how people in the HR profession ask the wrong questions. There is nothing wrong with the answers we receive if our questions themselves are wrong. Most of the damage to this profession has been done by asking the wrong questions, especially by inexperienced and novice managers.

Regards,
Rashid

People like Mr. Sawant and Mr. Rashid don't know the importance of Diwali, and they are taking a good conversation in a wrong direction. It is best to ignore these people and continue with the main thing. I pity the people around them.

Regards,
Advaita

Dear friends,

I think there is no restriction for celebrating Diwali, whether it is at home, office, or out of the country because this festival unites the whole world. If you go through the following, you will understand.

Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. We all know about the significance of Diwali. Here, we will learn how other religions also celebrate Diwali.

1. In Jainism, Divali marks the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira on 15 October, 527 BC.

2. Divali has been significant in Sikhism since the illumination of the town of Amritsar commemorating the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji (1595-1644), the sixth Guru of Sikhism, who was imprisoned along with 56 other Hindu kings at Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. After freeing the other prisoners, he went to the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in the holy city of Amritsar, where he was welcomed happily by the people who lit candles and divas to greet the Guru. Because of this, Sikhs often refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas - "the day of release of detainees."

3. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists in Nepal, a majority-Hindu country, particularly the Newar Buddhists.

Spiritual Significance

Hindu puja on the eve of Diwali. While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights," the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light."

Diwali celebrations are spread over five days in India and all over the world.

I hope our other two friends noted this.

Regards,

Phalguni

Mr. Sawant and Mr. Rashid,

Please don't waste the time of others. If you both are free, I suggest you delete your account from citehr if you don't have any ideas. GET WELL SOON BOTH OF YOU.

Dear Pankaj,

I agree with all of your statements related to Sawant and Rashid.

Dear Kavita,

In my opinion, you can arrange for a small picnic or go to watch a good movie. Playing good games, decorating your office with diyas, and giving sweets to all of your employees are other ideas from my side. The rest of what has been suggested by respected members.

Dear Pankaj,

I too agree with all of your statements related to Sawant and Rashid. I think we should put a full stop to this unproductivity.

Let us start with new topics and generate novel ideas.

Cheers,
Phalguni

Hey all,

Diwali is to be celebrated with love and not hatred. Please stop this immature behavior and act like a sensible Indian. Sawant and Rashid should be ignored. No one can change their behavior or mindset. We are here to help all HR team members, not insult or abuse each other. Ignorance is bliss. Sensible people talk less.

So, give your ideas to the person who asked for our help and do not waste our time and energy on these HR employees who are sitting on the bench and have no other work to do in this recession period. Keep smiling.

Regards,
GK

Hi friends,

We can organize an ethnic dress day in the office where we can vote for Ms. & Mr. Ethnic. The winner will receive surprise gifts.

Regards,
Meenu

Sawant,

First of all, stop arguing. This is a place to share ideas but not to discuss controversial thoughts. If you wish, carry on.

Nowadays, when an employee joins a company, we send them an introduction email welcoming them to such and such company, along with a word of welcome. Try to understand that much of your time is spent at the office, so it's a social environment where things can be identified, and many ideas may blossom.

So, please mind your thoughts when you participate in the open forum.

Regards,
Krithika

Dear Sawant / Rashid,

The complete meaning of the discussion thread is about the different ways of celebrating Diwali in the OFFICE. I feel your comments are void and not in line with our fellow members' discussion. Everyone has their own choice. If you feel that you don't want to celebrate, that's your choice. But, do not demotivate or criticize other fellow members and their opinions. If you wish to debate, I would suggest you start a different discussion thread and debate. Hope you get this right.

Friends, I feel we should IGNORE irrelevant discussions and suggestions that we feel are not worth it.

Thanks,
Rishi

Mr. Sawant,

I completely agree with Mr. Pankaj Chauhan. Celebrating Diwali and exchanging gifts in the office is not only the duty of HR but of management as well. This is not at all ridiculous but one of the affectionate ways for the organization to have personalization at work. By celebrating Diwali, Holi, New Year, or Eid, we make them/us realize that we are a family, not just a money-making machine for the organization.

Regards, Manali

And yes, one more thing - wishing everyone a very Happy and Smiling Diwali (with family and office).

This is for PANKAJ.

Stop bothering about Rashid and Sawant. Let's get down to the business of coming up with new ideas for celebrating Diwali. When you walk, you can't stop every obstacle that comes your way. Same goes for others.

Aj

Diwali Celebration in the Office Premises is good for all, as this festival of light brings SUKH-SAMRIDDHI-SHANTI in all spheres of life. We do celebrate in the office on 29th. We should stop working after lunch, and the gathering starts. Exchange of gifts takes place, which takes about 2-3 hours. Afterward, a small party is organized for all. Then, outside the premises, lighting and fireworks start. The lighting will remain up to Diwali and Vishwakarma Day, and fireworks will last for at least 1 hour. Afterwards, a vote of thanks to all.

Happy Diwali.

From, Sumit Kumar Saxena