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EnergyAustralia DE&I working group
October 2025
Among the many cultural festivals celebrated by our colleagues is Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Lights. For many who grew up in India, Diwali is a time to gather with family, reconnect with friends, and reflect on the triumph of good over evil.
For Jaydeep, an electrical services engineer at Mt Piper, some of his fondest memories are of celebrating Diwali with loved ones in western India, where he grew up.
“The excitement starts weeks in advance,” says Jaydeep. “Families clean and repaint their homes, swap out old curtains, and prepare for guests. Markets are full of colours and activity—people shopping for garlands, new clothes, fireworks, lights, sweets, and groceries. Many start making snacks ahead of time, so by the time Diwali arrives, the air is filled with the smell of scrumptious festive food.”
Welcoming the light – celebrating good over evil
Diwali, also known as Deepavali (meaning “row of lamps”), is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed mainly by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, it falls on the new moon between mid-September and mid-November. The festival symbolises light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil.
“It’s usually a five-day celebration, with each day holding its own meaning,” Jaydeep explains. “Shops and businesses close, and we visit friends and family. In the evenings, homes are lit with lamps, and the skies light up with fireworks.”
A celebration for everyone
For Jaydeep, Diwali is about more than just lights and sweets - a feeling also echoed by Merlin in our Marketing Team, who also grew up in India.
Although Merlin isn’t Hindu, she was surrounded by Diwali celebrations as part of India’s diverse cultural landscape. “It was always a joyful time - school holidays, decorated homes, firecrackers, big family meals, and cultural programs. I remember staying up late playing cards and enjoying the sense of a fresh start, since Diwali also marks the beginning of the financial year for many.”
Many traditions during Diwali carry symbolic meaning - cleaning the house to welcome positivity, buying gold to invite prosperity, and praying to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and well-being. For Merlin, the beauty of Diwali lies in its openness. “It’s a celebration that brings everyone together, no matter your background.”
Celebrating Diwali at EA
For both Jaydeep and Merlin, Diwali is about community, connection, and renewal. Whether it’s celebrated in a busy Indian city or a quiet Australian town, the message remains the same: light over darkness, good over evil, and the importance of relationships.
As we mark Diwali in our workplace, let’s embrace its spirit — reach out to one another, share in the joy, and make space for new beginnings. Every connection - whether with family, friends, or colleagues - is something to celebrate, rejoice and cherish.
