Diwali And The ABCs Of Religious Inclusion: Always Be Curious

Diwali: a culturally rich and widely celebrated festival with roots in Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist traditions. While Diwali’s religious significance is profound, it has also become a broader celebration of unity and prosperity in multicultural communities worldwide. As we move into several end-of-year holidays, we hold space for the importance of fostering curiosity about diverse cultures and identities in the workplace.

I have a confession: I don’t know everything about every culture. I know! How can someone who educates on equity and inclusion not be an expert on all cultures? Shouldn’t I know it all?

Sarcasm aside, it’s impossible to know every detail about the diverse cultures across the globe. With nearly 8 billion people on earth, each with unique social norms, religious practices, and values, there’s always more to learn. This month, I took some time to explore Hindu culture, specifically Diwali. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most celebrated holidays in Hindu culture, holding significance worldwide. It usually takes place in October or November and is also celebrated within Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist traditions. Spanning five days, the holiday’s main day, called Lakshmi Puja (the third day), symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Here are some highlights of Diwali:

• Meaningful Rituals: Each day of Diwali carries unique meanings and rituals, often focused on worshiping Lakshmi and Ganesha, the god of new beginnings.
• Gift-Giving and Family Gatherings: This five-day festival is a time to reconnect with loved ones, exchange gifts, and celebrate together.
• Feasting and Sweets: Diwali is known for its array of festive foods, especially sweets, which are shared with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Lighting Lamps and Fireworks: People light clay lamps (diyas) and decorate homes with rangolis (colorful patterns made from powder or flower petals). These symbols of light driving away darkness are believed to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into homes.
• Fifth Day: The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

While Diwali is a religious holiday, it has also become a secular celebration in many parts of the world. In multicultural societies, it is observed as a cultural or seasonal event, focusing on themes like unity, family, and prosperity.

One of the most powerful tools of an inclusive leader is curiosity. Asking questions – about why, how, what, when, and who – is essential for understanding experiences different from our own. Though we may not have all the answers individually, creating respectful spaces for curiosity promotes the vital inclusion strategy of psychological safety.

Harvard theologian and cultural change consultant Ciarra Jones recently shared with me the importance of collectively building inclusive organizations that focus on harm reduction. According to Jones, recognizing religion as part of identity is essential. “Religion, just like race, sexuality, gender, and more is a core part of people’s identities,” Jones says. “We have to ask ourselves, what can we gain by collectively exploring the spiritualities and values that shape how employees show up at work and in their world?”

Jones continues, “Building spaces where we embrace curiosity about religion, spirituality, and cultural practices enables us to align our personal ethics with organizational missions and values.”