Deepavali 2025: How The Accela Team is Celebrating

As the Festival of Lights approaches, we’re celebrating the spirit of togetherness and renewal that Deepavali brings.
To mark the occasion, we asked our team to share what this festival means to them, from their favourite dishes and memories to how they’ll be celebrating this year.

**Deeksha Bhatnagar, Finance Manager**

For me, Deepavali is all about joy, togetherness, and giving. I love how it brings family and friends together, creating moments of laughter, fun, and connection that last long after the festivities are over.
No Diwali is complete without food! I have a soft spot for rasgulla, coconut barfi, and all the delicious salty snacks that are a must at any gathering. Sharing these treats while catching up with loved ones is one of my favourite parts of the festival.
This year, I’ll be celebrating Deepavali in Singapore. Our weekends will be packed with family and friends, shopping for Indian outfits, decorating the house, lighting diyas, doing pooja at home, and making rangoli with my son.
I’ll also be helping out at a school event, organising games for my son’s classmates — a fun way to share the Diwali spirit with the little ones.
We’re also doing a donation drive in our condo, buying gift vouchers for community members who support us in daily life. Diwali is about sharing love and happiness, and this is our way of showing gratitude. We can’t wait for the festival season to begin!

**Shamili Periasamy, Senior Finance Associate**

*What do you love most about Deepavali?*
What I love most about Deepavali is the festive spirit - the lights, the laughter, and the chance to come together with family and friends. It’s such a joyful time filled with happiness, traditions, and plenty of fun!
*What is your favourite Deepavali dish?*
It’s hard to pick just one! I love murukku for snacking, briyani for the main feast, and Nutella tarts for a modern sweet treat. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and new favourites.
*How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?*
This year, I’ll be celebrating by collecting ang paos, having my friends over, playing with sparklers, and of course, showing off lots of festive OOTDs!

Katie Boon, Communications Director
1. What do you love most about Deepavali? Definitely the family gatherings — there’s nothing like catching up with everyone over way too much food, laughter, and stories.

2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish? Biryani!

3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year? This year will be a little quieter since my extended family is away. We usually do prayers for our ancestors, but I’ll still make sure there’s some good Indian food on the table at home.

Rocco Ahuja, Corporate Services Manager
1. What do you love most about Deepavali? A time to have fun with friends & family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch firework displays and wear new clothes.

2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish? Grilled paneer tikka (Indian cottage cheese) - flavourful paneer with a hint of charred smokiness into your mouth. BOOM! Chunks of paneer drowned in a spicy marinade with yoghurt, skewered and roasted in a tandoor (traditional clay oven), this juicy and delicious dish is definitely a crowd pleaser and sets your Deepavali party on full power mode.

3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year? It's a time for rejuvenation - I plan to pamper myself with a luxurious spa treatment. Exchanging gifts between loved ones can also be an important part of Diwali celebrations, with sweets, clothing, jewelry, and firecrackers being examples of gifts given during the holiday.

Savitha Raman, Senior Finance & Corporate Services Manager
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
Deepavali is about lights, colours, and lots of food. I love the festivities and like to decorate my homes (I consider Accela my second home) with colours and lights.

2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
Early on Deepavali morning, we take a spoonful of home-made medicine made of ginger and many other herbs. I like this the most because of its taste and because, as a kid, all cousins would gather around our grandma to get our share—that was fun!

3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I am going back to India after 12 years for Deepavali and my son's first Deepavali in India. We can burst many different types of fireworks in India that are not available here. It will be fun and nostalgic to celebrate in India with the usual customs and practices, and of course, lots of food!!

Jean Ho, Talent & Operations Executive
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love the festive vibe and the way everyone comes together in celebration - it’s such a warm and joyful time. I also think saris are absolutely beautiful! I haven’t had the chance to wear one yet, but it’s definitely on my list.

2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
It’s hard to choose just one, but I’d say butter chicken.

3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
This year, my boyfriend's friend has invited us to their house for a Deepavali celebration, and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve celebrated with them in the past, and it’s always a great time, catching up with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying good food. The best part is I get to play with their pet dog!

Jen Stewart, Director of Communications
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love how it brings everyone together and the bright, festive energy across the city.

2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
A good samosa is hard to beat.

3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I will likely spend the day in Singapore relaxing and catching up with friends.

Deepavali 2025: How The Accela Team is Celebrating

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