Best Diwali Event Ideas: All About the Festival and Enjoyable Diwali Celebration in the Office

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the grandest of festivals for Hindus all around the world. With Diwali, we enter a season of festivity, warmth, and unity. People put on their best attire, gather for festive meals and carry out long-established traditions on Diwali. 

But beyond the rituals, Diwali is about bringing people closer. So, for organisations, it's the perfect occasion to celebrate as a team. Everything from exchanging traditional sweets to lighting the office with seasonal décor is sure to brighten up the space.

If you want your office's Diwali celebration to be one for the record books, you've come to the right place for inspiration. Check out our guide on Diwali event ideas. From décor tips to engaging activities, you'll find everything you need to plan a Diwali celebration that everyone will remember fondly!

What Is Diwali?

Light triumphing over darkness, good prevailing over evil - that's the message of Diwali. The name itself comes from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," meaning a row of lights.

In Hindu mythology, this celebration has long been practised. It commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following his victory over Ravana, the demon king, and his fourteen-year exile. The people of Ayodhya greeted his homecoming by lighting oil lamps to brighten the city.

New beginnings, the victory of light, and the rebirth of life are what Diwali represents today. It's a season when close and loved ones gather to celebrate, exchange gifts, and light up their spaces with love and laughter.

This day, not just the Hindus - Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists also celebrate the occasion of Diwali. The message is simpler now- gather, enjoy and share happiness! 

When Is Diwali?

Diwali is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar, so the date changes each year, usually falling in October or November. The main celebration happens on the 15th day of Kartik, a new moon night. Also, Diwali is more than a one-day event; it spans five days, each with unique traditions.

It begins with Dhanteras, a day for cleaning, followed by Choti Diwali for decorating. The third day is Diwali itself, the main festival. After that comes Padwa, where couples are celebrated. And, finally, Bhai Duj - honouring the relationship between siblings. 

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31.

What Are Some Diwali Traditions?

People celebrate Diwali with numerous vibrant and significant traditions. Yes, these traditions may fundamentally differ among different religions. However, the spirit of togetherness and celebration that characterises Diwali is shaped by these traditions, which unite families, communities, and office colleagues as well.

Here are some popular, enjoyable and valuable Diwali customs:

• Lighting Diyas and Candles: Lighting oil lamps, known as diyas, and candles is one of the most common Diwali traditions. The glow from the lamps is thought to invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is said to bring riches and happiness into the home or business.
  
  
• Rangoli Designs: Colourful patterns, known as rangolis, are created at entrances using coloured powders, rice, or flowers. These detailed and bright designs are meant to bring good luck and ward off evil.
  
  
• Laxmi Puja: On the main day of Diwali, families and businesses perform Laxmi Puja to honour the goddess of wealth. This ritual seeks blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity in the coming year.
  
  
• Exchanging Sweets and Gifts: Sharing sweets and gifts with family, friends, and colleagues is the best way to spread joy and strengthen relationships during the festive season. Laddoos, barfis, and jalebis are just a few of the traditional sweets that people usually exchange.
  
  
• Cooking and Sharing Festive Feasts: Food plays a central role in Diwali celebrations. In many spaces, people prepare elaborate meals featuring a variety of traditional Indian dishes, from savoury snacks to rich desserts.

Some of the Office Diwali Celebration Ideas

In an office setup, Diwali can help reconnect with the people who work alongside you. Going for a cosy or lively office party - the key is to create an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and inclusivity. Here are some excellent ways to celebrate Diwali in the office:

• Organise a Potluck Party: Invite friends, families, and colleagues for an office potluck dinner. Ask everyone to bring a dish that represents their favourite festival memory. It will take the load off of the host and help everyone share a part of themselves.
  
  
• Arrange a Gift Exchange: Create a fun and thoughtful gift exchange with your colleagues. Consider gifting ornate hampers, which can be filled with dried fruits, Indian sweets, or handmade crafts. Personalising the gifts will add a special touch to the celebration.
  
  
• Throw a Mehndi/Henna Session: For a unique and festive activity, host a mehndi session where the employees can have intricate henna designs applied. Help everyone engage in the cultural elements of Diwali while enjoying music, snacks, and laughter!
  
  
• Host a Dance Party: Hire a live DJ or band, play Bollywood songs, and encourage everyone to hit the dance floor this Diwali! Traditional or contemporary music—choose whatever gets everyone moving and in the spirit of celebration.
  
  
• Organise Kids' Activities: Ask every employee's family to join and make Diwali special for the little ones. There are fun ways to educate them about Diwali's traditions while keeping them entertained; we’ll talk about these later in the blog. 

Diwali Decoration Ideas

Bringing spirituality, light, and colour into your space is the very essence of Diwali decor. Match the Diwali design with the office vibe, and you'll achieve something that everyone appreciates. Get creative with your Diwali decorations using these ideas:

Lighting

Diwali calls for plenty of candles and diyas to set the mood. Scatter them on window sills and along paths all around your office. Also, string lights, particularly ones with warm, golden tones, may make any room seem more enchanted. In today's contemporary workplaces, lanterns and LED candles are wonderful choices.

Rangoli Work

Make stunning rangolis to decorate entryways and communal spaces. Lotus blossoms and peacocks are two examples of traditional symbols that can be designed. You can ask everyone to use stencils or templates for a more trendy approach.

Mandir

The mandir, or prayer space, is the focal point of Diwali décor. It can be easily organised in any office space, but the location has to be chosen carefully. Put a beautiful cloth under the idols and decorate it with new marigold garlands. To create a more meditative atmosphere, light some silver or bronze candles and place incense burners. The mandir can be garnished with lights, flowers, and even miniature rangolis to serve as a showstopper during Diwali.

Foods to Serve at Diwali

Food is at the heart of any Diwali celebration. Having a wide selection of delicious food at your company Diwali party will make sure that everyone has a good time. Here’s how to categorise and plan the perfect Diwali menu:

Traditional Indian Snacks

Samosas, pakoras, and chaat are great places to start when craving something savoury. The coworkers may simply share these finger appetisers, which are also ideal for socialising. Dahi puri and bhel puri are lighter options that you can consider.

Main Course

Butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, and dal makhani are some of the most requested main courses, so a buffet including these dishes would be an excellent pick. Naan, roti, or aromatic basmati rice are good sides to go with them. Vegans and vegetarians alike will love the aloo gobi and vegetable biryani.

Sugary Treats

Desserts are the most essential part of every Diwali feast. Think of giving out classic sweets like barfi, jalebi, and gulab jamun. For a different kind of dessert, you may offer kheer or rasgulla. 

What to Wear on Diwali

Choosing the right attire for a Diwali office party means blending tradition with elegance. For women, a saree or salwar kameez in bright colours like red, gold, or royal blue is a classic choice. Younger women often go for Anarkalis or lehengas with detailed embroidery, and that also works well. Pairing them with statement jewellery and embellished footwear surely gives a festive touch.

Men can opt for a kurta with churidar or dhoti pants. A well-fitted sherwani or Nehru jacket can add a polished look. If anyone prefers Western wear, a dress shirt with a touch of Indian flair, like a bandh gala or embroidered vest, is a stylish yet subtle option.

Specific team members can match their dress style or colour to give the party a more interesting vibe!

Diwali Activities for Kids

Engaging kids in Diwali activities at your office event will add a joyful, family-friendly sense to the celebration. You need to create a space for them and let them have a great time being involved in:

• Rangoli Drawing: Set up a station where kids can create their own rangoli designs using coloured sand or flower petals. Provide templates and stencils for younger children.
  
• Diya Painting: Offer plain clay diyas and let kids paint and decorate them with bright colours, glitter, and stickers.
  
• Storytelling Sessions: Arrange a storytelling corner where someone narrates the story of Diwali. Don't forget to include interactive elements, like puppets or costumes, to keep the children entertained.
  
• Craft Making: Provide materials for making paper lanterns or Diwali greeting cards. These crafts are easy and fun and allow kids to take home a piece of the celebration.
  
• Fireworks Show: Organise a safe and funfilled fireworks show for the kids at the party. However, obtaining a local permit is absolutely necessary for that.

Diwali Activities for Adults

Diwali office events aren't just for kids—adults can join in on the festive fun too! Including fascinating activities for adults can foster camaraderie and make the celebration more memorable.

• Diya Lighting Ceremony: Begin the party with a diya lighting ceremony where everyone lights a small lamp. It creates a collective moment of reflection and unity.
  
• Traditional Games: Organise traditional Indian games like tambola (bingo) or musical chairs with a festive twist. These light-hearted Diwali games encourage mass participation and laughter.
  
• Dance Sessions: Play upbeat Bollywood music and invite everyone to join in a group dance. A short dance workshop, teaching simple steps, can add to the fun.
  
• Dress-Up Contest: Hold a best-dressed contest to encourage everyone to come in their finest traditional attire. You may offer small prizes for categories like "Most Festive" or "Best Accessorized."

Diwali Party Themes and Invite Wording

You will need a theme for your Diwali office party because it brings a layer of excitement and cohesion to the event. Here are some ideas to consider:

Traditional Indian

You can encourage classic elements like sarees, kurta-pajamas, and traditional décor. Invite wording could be, 

“Join us for a night of tradition and festivity as we celebrate Diwali together. 

Come dressed in your finest Indian attire!”

Bollywood Glam

Add a Bollywood twist with a glamorous dress code and a dance floor. Your invite might say, 

"Get ready to dazzle!

You're invited to a Bollywood-themed Diwali bash. 

Dress to impress and dance the night away!"

Festival of Lights

Focus on lighting with candles, diyas, and lanterns. Your invite could read, 

"Let’s light up the night! 

Join us for a luminous Diwali celebration full of warmth and joy."

Fusion Fiesta

You can certainly blend traditional Indian elements with contemporary styles. Think modern décor with a touch of ethnic flair. Your invite could say, 

"Celebrate Diwali with a modern twist! 

Join us for a Fusion Fiesta where tradition meets trend. 

Come as you are, or mix it up with something uniquely you!"

Royal Rajasthani

Go regal with a Rajasthani-inspired theme featuring rich colours, elaborate patterns, and traditional music. The invite might read, 

"Step into a royal celebration! 

Experience the grandeur of Rajasthan at our Diwali party. 

Dress like royalty and enjoy a night of majestic festivities."

Colour and Colour

Colour should be absolutely prioritised throughout the décor, attire, and activities. Rangoli designs, bright drapes, and multicolour outfits set the tone. Your invite could say, 

"Join us for a Color Splash Diwali! 

Come dressed in your brightest hues and get ready to celebrate in technicolour style."

Conclusion on Diwali Event Ideas

In planning your Diwali office event, we've covered diverse ideasᅳfrom traditional themes to Bollywood glamour, fun activities for all ages, and mouthwatering menu options. To make this party your own, feel free to combine some of these ideas. Always keep in mind that the true spirit of Diwali is to bring happiness, belonging and light into our lives. So, as you plan, keep the spirit of togetherness at heart.

And for an event that’s both festive and effortless, trust Catering Zone for top-tier catering across Sydney. With our exclusive and reliable services, your Diwali celebration will be unforgettable and stress-free.