The Light We Carry Forward: A Diwali Reflection
Every year, as Diwali approaches, I find myself thinking about how to keep the light of this festival alive in ways that feel true to who we are and responsive to the motions of life in the moment.
This year, our whole family has been under the spell of seasonal colds, slowing our energy and delaying our Diwali décor. At the same time, I have signed up to lead Diwali celebrations at the Brooklyn Public Library and in my children’s classrooms. I am deeply grateful to celebrate Diwali with our community this year, but between the sickness and the schedules, we are running behind on preparations at home and will probably keep it low-key.
Still, Diwali has quietly been unfolding here since September. My children and I have been crafting together, making and coloring diyas out of dinosaurs, flour, paper, and pipe cleaners, experimenting with fold-out Diya Chest Diwali cards inspired by Art For Kids Hub’s “Minecraft Chest Folding Surprise,” and feeling lucky to receive handmade laddoos and nimkis from their grandparents in India.
The Diwali rituals I grew up with were beautiful in their own ways, but they often felt rushed and rigid, especially around when, how, and who we pray to. Over time, I have come to believe that Diwali’s light shines brightest through intention and connection. This reflection is about the light we inherit and the light we carry forward.
It is also about the joy of co-creating the ritual of celebrating Diwali with my children in ways that feel less about perfection and more about presence.
↗️Click through the flipbook below to read the full reflection.
Like the invisible light that threads across time and place, Diwali’s glow reminds us to return to what truly matters: intention, connection, and creation.
This is my Diwali story. What’s yours?
If you do not have one yet, maybe this is the year to create it.
Our free Diwali Mini Zines offer a personal, joyful, and hands-on way to begin — downloadable, printable pages that invite families and classrooms to slow down, make, and connect with the essence of Diwali.
- Diwali Mini Zine #1: Step-by-Step Diwali shares fun facts and interactive coloring to help you connect with the festival’s spirit in five simple steps.
- Diwali Mini Zine #2: Make Your Own Diya guides you through creating a salt-dough diya using just three kitchen ingredients, fifteen minutes of prep, and endless creativity.
Both mini zines include mindful activity prompts to help you connect with Diwali’s spirit and set your own intentions with its light.
The way we celebrate Diwali may look different, but our moments of connection share the same joy, light, and love.
Wishing you all a Happy Dinomite Diwali!🪔🦖✨🌸
