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
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
For me, Deepavali is all about joy, togetherness, and giving. I love how the festival brings family and friends together, creating moments filled with laughter, fun, and meaningful connections that last long after the celebrations are over.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
No Deepavali is complete without delicious food! I have a soft spot for rasgulla, coconut barfi, and all the savoury snacks that are a must at any festive gathering. Sharing these treats while catching up with loved ones is one of my favourite parts of the festival.
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
This year, I’ll be celebrating Deepavali in Singapore with family and friends. Our weekends will be filled with shopping for beautiful Indian outfits, decorating the house, lighting diyas, performing pooja at home, and making colourful rangoli with my son. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to creating happy memories with my loved ones and enjoying the festive spirit together.
Jean Ho, Talent & Operations Executive
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love the beautiful lights and decorations, and of course, the festive atmosphere! There’s something so lovely about how everything lights up and feels extra vibrant during this time.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
Butter chicken, 100%! I’d choose it any day, anytime. No hesitation at all! 😂
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I’ll be overseas this year, so I won’t be celebrating Deepavali. I usually get to join in the festivities when my Indian friends invite me to celebrate with them, and it’s always lovely to experience the festive atmosphere and enjoy the food together! I’ll definitely miss that this year.
Lydia Lee, HR Manager
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
The decorations and festivities! The celebrations are always bright and extravagant, bringing life and light to the city.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
Whatever we order in for the company Deepavali celebration lunch!
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I don’t have anything planned, so it might be a restful long weekend.
Shamili Periasamy, Senior Finance Associate
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love the excitement leading up to Deepavali, from the big house-cleaning sessions and getting everything ready to the actual celebrations! There’s something satisfying about having a freshly cleaned home, dressing up, and finally getting to enjoy all the food and time with the people who matter most.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
It would be difficult to choose one but nothing beats my grandma’s cooking! Her murukku is my favourite snack, and her briyani is a must-have every Deepavali. Add lots of cookies, especially kueh makmur and I'm all set.
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I’ll be collecting ang paos, dressing up in my festive best, and doing henna for my friends! There’ll also be movie time and plenty of fun as we enjoy the chaos together. Outside of my own celebrations, I’ll be organising our office Deepavali lunch and activity, so I’m looking forward to sharing the celebration vibes with my colleagues too!
Savitha Raman, Associate Director, Finance & Corporate Services
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
Deepavali symbolises the beginning of success and happiness. We light lamps and burst fireworks to mark this beginning. Hope is one of the greatest attributes that help us keep going, and that is the main aspect of Deepavali.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
I like everything about Deepavali. The joy is in being together, and the food tastes extra special on this occasion.
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I am in India this year for Deepavali. The day starts with prayers, fireworks, and food, and the cycle repeats. I plan to make the most of the day and burst as many crackers as possible.
Yi Lin Lou, Finance Associate
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
What I love most about Deepavali is having an extra public holiday to take a break from work, relax, and recharge. It’s a nice opportunity to enjoy some personal time, catch up on rest, and do things I might not have time for on a regular working day.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
I don’t have a particular favourite Deepavali dish, but I’m always happy to try good food!
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I’ll probably spend the day relaxing at home, catching up on rest, and enjoying my day off.
Rocco Ahuja, Corporate Services Manager
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
The festive spirit of bright lights, family gatherings & traditional celebrations is what makes the holiday special.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
Chicken Biryani - The definitive festive centerpiece, featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced meat, saffron, and fried onions.
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
Visiting the Little India street light-up & soaking in the atmosphere.
Parames Segaran, Senior HR Associate
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love Deepavali because it brings our entire family together at my aunt’s place to celebrate as one big family. It’s something we look forward to every year, especially getting to enjoy my aunt’s special homemade recipes that she prepares just for Deepavali! Of course, the highlight for me is always the murukku! I also love the vibrant colours, beautiful lights, and the festive atmosphere that make Deepavali feel so magical and special.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
My all-time favourite Deepavali treats are murukku and nei urundai! Murukku is a crispy, savoury snack that’s simply addictive, while nei urundai is a melt-in-your-mouth sweet made with roasted gram flour, ghee and sugar. And when it comes to the main meal, it has to be mutton curry with ghee rice, hands down my absolute favourite! It’s a combination I look forward to every Deepavali. 😋
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
It will be a simple and cosy celebration this year. We’ll gather at my aunt’s place, decorate with lights and festive decorations, and enjoy spending time together as a family. Most of all, I’m looking forward to catching up with my cousins, having good food, and enjoying the warmth of being together. ❤️
Erin Padilla, CEO & Founder
1. What do you love most about Deepavali?
I love what Deepavali stands for, light over darkness and good over evil. And of course the lights themselves! Walking through Little India when everything is lit up never gets old.
2. What is your favourite Deepavali dish?
I’m all about the sweets. A box of colourful mithai is my weakness, and gulab jamun is always my first pick.
3. How will you celebrate Deepavali this year?
I’m having lunch at The Tiffin Room with two of my longtime friends. Lots of good food and catching up.