Creative Diwali Celebration Ideas for the Office: What Fun Activities Can We Try This Year?

Can anyone suggest some good ideas for Diwali celebrations in the office? I am looking for something different, not rangoli or lantern making, as we have already done that before. I am seeking something very creative and fun! Please share your comments and suggestions 

Regards,
Priyanka

Arrange some games, enjoy with firecrackers, give the employees sweet boxes, chocolates, etc. Make a trip, arrange some fun topic presentations, organize computation games, songs, debates, etc. If you are interested in social work and other activities, arrange a blood donation camp, help the child relief community, and consider funding any social community working for the poor, orphanages, animal shelters, CRY, etc.

With Regards,

Ravikumar Kulkarni
9766932179
020-40032171
HR
Apsora India Pvt. Ltd Pune.

Hi, Priyanka,

This is Suloke. This Diwali, open a bank box for poor children, and you will see next year it create a big amount to help them. Use your money for them as they don't have support. Enjoy your Diwali for others, not for yourself. That's the best way to celebrate. Because you are different from others. What do you think? If I'm wrong, then sorry, and happy Diwali.

Thank you Suloke... I very well agree with your point :) Of course, we have our own corporate social responsibility towards society, and we do contribute :) But as an organization and management, we are also liable to answer to our employees. It's just a little fun we're trying to bring in from their day-to-day chores. This will cheer them up too.

Regards,
Priyanka

Why don't you arrange some quiz competitions, give prizes for winning, and perhaps include some fireworks as well?

Regards,
Tabassum

Hi,

You can have a dress code like saree for girls and kurta pajama for boys. Also, you can keep a chit system. One who gets number 1 will receive a chocolate box, and the one who gets number 2 will receive a mithai box. It will be fun! Alternatively, you can ask everyone to bring gifts, blindfold the employees, and exchange gifts.

Regards,
Rashmi Malhotra

Hi Everyone,

I am really happy to see the replies of our friends. Most of the replies are about helping the poor. My point of view is a bit different. As we all know, the world badly requires a green revolution. We can take the first step to save nature, and in turn, save our future generations. Helping the poor is good, but more importantly, helping ourselves is essential.

In my center, we are planning a Tree Plantation initiative! We aim to plant a minimum of 100 forest plants near the mountains/hills. This activity will provide a fun outdoor experience, and participants will have the satisfaction of planting at least one tree in their lifetime. We can even incorporate outdoor games to make the day more engaging.

I hope you like the idea.

Aswini
9789255911

Hi,

Firstly, wishing you a very Happy Diwali. Maybe you could have some desk decorations, and the best desk receives a prize. Consider creating Rangoli in a different way, such as using cardboard for Rangoli. Additionally, suggest that all females dress in sarees and all males in kurta/pyjamas, etc. The best-dressed male and female could each receive a prize.

Plan for some games like Antakshari, Dumb Charades, and maybe have some employees' kids perform or do a skit.

Have a great day.

Sheetal.

Some things you can do are:

- Buy wholesale crackers for the associates and sell them at a lower price.
- Organize a place where they can burst these crackers and have fun.
- You can also add games and sweets to increase the excitement.

Regards

Hi Aswini,

You can ask your staff to come in traditional dress. Decorate your office and take the help of office boys. Instruct them to do it at night or early in the morning when the staff is not there. It will be a surprise for them.

Organize a small party for the staff and then you can have some games. If space allows, consider drum charades or Musical Chairs. If space is limited, you can ask employees to vote for the colleague they appreciate the most. Give a gift to the employee with the most votes.

Alternatively, you can organize a family party where employees can bring their families as well. Hold this event outside the office, and you can even include crackers.

All the best. Happy Diwali :)

Deepali

Hi, give them a chance to celebrate Diwali with their family in their office environment.

Regards,
M. Kumar HR

Project Diwali

1. A Competition to Decorate individuals Cubical/ Desk based on “Diwali Theme” (to prove individual creativity). Declare a Cash Award for this, may be money packed in a Pouch in golden colour cloth, placed in a noticeable place.

2. Every department to come-up with a New Concept to increase productivity within their department-A Light Concept( Team work). Declare a Group Gift or Cash award which will be equally shared by the department.

3. Declare diwali celebrations from 1st November onwards and give every day Gift to employees on different theme every day developed by them. Set Business based themes for each day, and everyone to come up with their own creative ideas and solutions. Some themes may be 'increase sale', 'cost cutting', 'communication'..... you may see plenty of ideas cropping up.

Believe me, your management will approve your Budget for this for sure as it will improve productivity directly. Along with this add a Provision for a Social Cause.

HAPPY DIWALI TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR TEAM!!
Let the Power of Light Enlighten all Around.

Cheers!!
Vishwanathan Iyer

Dear Priyanka,

1. You can organize a Diwali lunch along with a traditional dress competition.
2. You and your colleagues can visit a nearby orphanage, offer sweets, books, and clothes, and have lunch with them.

Regards,
Mala

Hi Priyanka,

This is Anu. I can suggest a very funny idea, but it's quite a risky one too. Put very minor crackers that flourish flowers from them instead of fire in your boss's/higher management's cubicle. Repeat the same thing at all the cubicles and arrange them in a way that all the flower crackers flourish at the same time. We did this at our office last time; it was great and got many compliments for that.

Regards,
Anupama Reddy
HR at VJIL, Hyd

Hi Priyanka,

I hope you are working in the industry. Call your union and propose to skip one lunch (preferably one or two days before Diwali), and the money saved for skipping that lunch may be handed over to a children's home, old age home, orphanage, etc.

You may hand over the cash to the home or in any kind. The day when you are conducting the handing over of cash or kind, arrange some games involving children or old age people of the home.

Udai
9443628322

Hi, I plan to host a few games or a painting competition in the evening, and the winners will be awarded chocolate boxes or sweets. I have asked my employees to wear sarees or Kurta Pyjamas. We have also arranged a Puja. I have attached an invitation that I plan to send to everyone. I trust it might partially solve your issue. Regards, Smita

A useful way to celebrate Diwali is by planting trees. I really admire this idea.

Regards,
D. Balavinayagam

Amazing Ideas...Keep it up!!

1. First, all the employees should have a Pooja ceremony led by the management and pray for a prosperous career.

2. You can organize a game of tambola (housie).

3. If you have enough space, then organize small stalls selling various food items, soft toys, company t-shirts. Giving out merchandise with a company logo will help you brand your organization.

4. You can set up a stage and reward the best performers, have some cultural programs/competitions for the employees.

5. On behalf of CSR, you can visit old age homes, slums, orphanages, etc.

6. I like the idea of planting trees.

7. I would refrain from the idea of a cracker show as it increases pollution. Instead, all the employees and management should take an oath to work towards mother nature and not use crackers.

8. You can ask the employees to get dressed in traditional attire and reward the best-dressed individuals.

9. You can ask the teams to decorate their shop floor.

Core Philosophy - "Ideas are never-ending, so is the zeal and passion to work for the employees."

Regards,

Rahul Chhabra

Dear Priyanka,

Do something different. Apart from you and your family celebrating the festival, I suggest something like this:

- Visit orphanages, old age homes, and distribute sweets, clothes, etc. Spend some time with them.
- Take slum children out and give them a day to remember.

I personally don't advise on firecrackers because a lot of child labor is used, apart from the pollution of sound and atmosphere.

Thanks and regards,
Nagaraj

Hi Priyanka,

For Diwali, organize one theme where all employees can enjoy the celebration. Meanwhile, it will convey a social awareness message to the employees. We have had such celebrations in our organization, and it has been successful. Don't forget that employees are assets of any organization; try to make them as happy as possible. After all, Diwali is a festival of sharing happiness. 🙂

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Hey Priyanka,

You may try some 'clay activity' fun with clay, and trust me, people really enjoy doing such activities. They can make diyas and paint them the way they want, and then you can ask the vendor to bake them. Alternatively, you may ask the vendor to provide some unbaked items, and employees will only have to paint them before baking (which the vendor will do). Employees will also feel good that they are making diyas of their choice. You may keep this activity going on for 2 hours in the evening.

It is simple, less messy, and cost-effective. If you want to add something as social responsibility, you may invite some orphan kids! In many such institutions, children make handmade candles, carry bags, small pouches, and some decorative items. You may try setting up a stall with their handmade items (and they will manage the counter), and believe me, the kids feel so good and happy when you appreciate their work and make a purchase. Employees also enjoy buying from them because it gives them a sense of joy and satisfaction that they have contributed to a little happiness in their lives.

Enjoy engaging employees and have a great Diwali.

Regards,

Dear Priyanka,

As many people have already contributed to the same, I would like to add on to the existing points:

1. You can ask employees to clean their desks one day prior, likening it to how they clean and decorate their homes. Additionally, you can introduce a prize for the winner.

2. A suggestion for a relationship-building game named "Be my Angel": request each employee to bring a small gift, possibly Diwali-themed, from their pocket. During a gathering, write each employee's name on a slip of paper, place them in a bowl, and have individuals pick a name. The person whose name they draw will be the recipient of their gift. Ensure that everyone receives a gift. This game was well-received when we played it last year during Diwali.

3. Diya Lighting Ceremony: Encourage employees to bring a Diya each, or provide one to each employee. Instruct them to place and light the Diyas in a safe manner. The Diyas should not contain oil, and if wax Diyas are provided, ensure they have a metal covering.

Wishing a Happy Diwali to all the members of Cite HR. We look forward to making the event successful with these wonderful ideas.

Regards,

Diwali Celebration Ideas

Arrange a Diva decoration competition for team members and then send those Divas to their residence addresses. If your office is a corporate office, then announce a department-wise Diwali Decoration competition.

Regards,
Amit Acharya

My suggestion is that you can arrange a game show just like Kaun Banega Crorepati and create a question bank on Ramayana. You can send out an email asking for nominations from each department. I think this will be fun.

We can celebrate "SMS Day." Each person has to give one lovely SMS. The person who sends the best SMS will receive a gift. Perhaps the SMS could be related to some social awareness that we can display on the notice boards.

Regards,
P K Prasad

Celebrate with a New Expression

Our country is a blend of several religions and festivals too. Then why not celebrate this Festival of Lights with our Muslim, Christian, and Sikh friends? Use this opportunity to introduce one culture to another. Such an act will encourage unity and teach new morals to your kids.

Source: Times of India

A nice idea I have seen in Times of India

AVS

Hi Priyanka,

If I were you, I would definitely like to arrange some fun and good quizzes related to the festival. Then, Rangoli stuff is always there. Arrange a competition to decorate the office within a time period. Divide some groups, give them decorative items and a specific area to the particular group, and of course, the winning group will be the host to arrange the party (like DJ, games, snacks, and all). There should be cash prizes for the winners, or according to your company's strategies and policies.

Rest, you can modify these accordingly.

Regards,

Manya Gogia
Manager - HR
Multiverse Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Hi,

You can conduct a Cookery contest for your employees, exclusively for making sweets. You can invite some senior people who are good at new recipes to be the judge. For prize winners, you can gift them cracker packets. As Vashii suggested, you can give, along with Diwali sweet packs, a pack of seedlings to be planted at their house. Announce a competition for the next occasion (say Pongal or New Year) asking them to take a photograph of the same, to witness how much care they had taken to grow that at home. Reward the winners.

Lakshmi.N

You can contact NGOs associated with child care or any other social cause to hold melas/stalls on your company premises. At these stalls, company employees can buy candles, bags, etc., which are made by underprivileged people, and the money generated will help support them.

Hi Priyanka!!

Well, the festive occasion is always one to be embraced with anything as the delight and pleasure employees drive from it is awesome.

Here is an idea: Buy some diyas (clay) depending on your employee size. Ask everyone to paint the diya with whatever theme/color they wish. Then put the diyas on sale internally. Let the price be anything from 2 rupees to 5 rupees. Collect the money and buy some sweets and crackers for some orphanages/old age homes. The Diwali will be a real illumination for all of you.

Regards,
Anil Koul
anil.v.koul@gmail.com

Hi Priyanka,

Wishing you a very Happy Diwali in advance. We did this last year in my office. We had arranged for musical chairs, a competition of sticking the maximum number of bindis on your face in 1 minute, and picking up straws with your mouth in 1 minute. It was fun, and even our bosses joined the celebrations.

Regards,
Sujeesha

Hi Priya,

Great thing that your company celebrates Diwali together. Diwali is a symbolic gesture celebrating victory over ignorance, where tamas is removed, and knowledge prevails. And light symbolizes knowledge. So, celebrate this Diwali by having a discourse on the spirituality of Diwali. This can be an enlightening session for the entire staff - a yoga session followed by a discourse.

Have a great Diwali, and may God bless you and your company.

Sunil

Write everybody's name on a separate chit of paper, fold, and place it in a container. Ask everyone to pick one chit and keep it to themselves without disclosing it. Do this a few days before the celebration. If someone receives the chit with their own name, ask the person to replace it. Ask everyone to bring a small gift for their secret friend (name on the chit) and keep the price nominal, say 50-100 Rs, or arrange a token gift on behalf of the company itself.

Tell everyone that on the day of the celebration, they have to describe all the good qualities of their secret friend without revealing the name or personal details such as designation or department. The others have to identify who the speaker is talking about. Once everyone has identified the person being described, hand over the gift.

When somebody describes the good points, it boosts morale and brings happiness to the person. Additionally, when others make guesses based on the good qualities, everyone tries to find those qualities in themselves. Also, some qualities known to others but unknown to ourselves are revealed.

I believe it will be a fun and team-strengthening activity. Hope you like it.

Regards,

Pallavi

You could organize a traditional fashion show, ask for contributions from colleagues, and donate dresses and sweets to the underprivileged so that they can also experience Diwali in its true sense. Share the joys.

My best wishes to you and your endeavor.

Cheers,
Divya

Diwali Celebration Idea: Bringing Joy to Senior Citizens

Diwali is a festival of joy and fun. I suggest visiting a senior citizen/old age home to entertain them with your songs, quizzes, and antakshari. Distribute sweets and encourage them to participate with you. Witness the joy on their faces and enjoy the experience.

Regards

Hi All,

Thank you very much for the appreciation and new suggestions. I completed the activity of tree plantation with my volunteers (Shadow Awareness Trust) of 40 people on the 24th, planting around 150 plants in the hill named Nattham, 13 km away from Vellore. It was a great experience for all of us.

Wishing you all a very happy Diwali.

Aswini V

I have this virtual Diwali PPT. Please send it to your employees so they can enjoy it. Thank you for the numerous ideas; they are good and interesting.

Regards,
Neha

Pallavi,

I think your idea is very good. It spreads the message of positive thinking, getting rid of negative feelings about others, and team building automatically. This way all will go home happy. Other ideas were also very good, but they were all the same. No hard feelings to others, just speaking my mind folks.

Aj Singh

Hello Team,

This is to inform you that I need to plan something in the office for employee engagement on the occasion of Diwali to celebrate in a better way so that employees can have fun. Anyone, please suggest me some interesting ideas.

Thanks & Regards,
Shivani Aggarwal