St. Joe’s celebrates Diwali
As people around the world prepare to celebrate Diwali, Dhara Desai, a Director in Digital Solutions at St. Joe's shared with us what the festival means to her, and how she celebrates.
Dhara also shares details about a special Diwali celebration that was recently held at St. Joe’s, organized by a volunteer group of healthcare workers.
Can you tell us about Diwali, and its significance?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival celebrated by South Asian people around the world. It is often referred to as the festival of lights. The festival lasts five days, with the main date being the third day, November 12 this year.
Lights and lamps are important in Diwali celebrations as a way to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead. While Diwali has its roots in Hinduism, it is a time of joy, unity and reflection for many people, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
For me, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
How do you celebrate Diwali?
I love spending time with family and friends, sharing festive food such as sweets like rasmalai and laddus, and decorating my house with lights.
I also enjoy doing Rangoli, which is creating colourful patterns on the floor or entrance to the home as a way to bring luck and prosperity to the house and to welcome guests.
How is Diwali being celebrated at St. Joe's?
I am very excited to be part of a group who volunteered our time to put together the first Diwali celebration at St. Joe's. We invited healthcare workers across the Hospital to join us as we spread positive wishes for the year ahead and showcased some festive décor. The gathering marked the symbolic meaning of Diwali by spreading the message of good over evil and light over darkness. John Aldis, Interim President at St. Joe’s, kicked things off with the lighting of a brass lamp.
The support from our St. Joe’s community was tremendous and we are looking forward to seeing the celebration grow each year!
What is your Diwali message?
Let's celebrate the festival in the true sense by spreading joy and lighting up the world of others! Wishing you and your family a blissful and joyous Deepavali!