Celebrating Culture, Inclusion for All - 5 tips on how to create an inclusive culture in your organization

How does your organization include those whose major holidays aren't recognized on the western calendar? Celebrating holidays in America is a gift. Holiday traditions date back multiple generations and are embedded in the fabric of every holiday celebration. Office holiday parties allow time to show appreciation for your staff. When it comes down to the holiday season, I love and appreciate my American traditions of celebrating and spending time with family and friends. And at the same time, I'm proud of my robust Indian culture. 

On Monday, October 24th, hundreds of millions of Hindus, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist cultures worldwide will celebrate Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. The ancient ceremony that honors the legend of Hindu gods and goddesses is India’s most grand celebration, bringing together family, community, lights, sweet treats, colorful artwork, and gifts.

 As a child, during Diwali and other auspicious holidays, I remember our home came alive with rich color, light, and music, which centered around the beautiful sacred Temple that adorned our living room. Our home was the only home with a temple for miles around. Temples are central to Diwali celebrations, so each year, on Diwali, my parents would host over 75 travelers in their small living room. My mom and dad would spend hours preparing a ten-course vegetarian meal from scratch to serve the hungry crowd. The 4 of us siblings would be right there to learn and help. My mom would lead Bajans (hymns) and play the harmonium, my dad and brother would play the Tabla (Indian drum) and my sisters and I and all the guests would join in on the clapping and singing together in celebration. At the mark of midnight, we would do the Aarti (prayer) and then serve a HUGE amount of food to everyone. Family, culture, prayer, and gratitude are what Diwali represents to me. A treat for the senses: rich colors, brilliant fireworks, and happy hearts. My daughter Nadia Asha sums it up as: "A feeling of warmth, love, and security." 

During this time of year, it's easy to put aside inclusion to focus on your family, shopping and time off from work and school. So how can you incorporate inclusion at work during your year-end celebrations? 

 Here are 5 tips to make your organization more inclusive for your celebrations:

• Make sure your event committee is diverse. Include people with a variety of beliefs and cultures that reflect your organization.
• Remember significant dates. Refer to the interfaith calendar  to keep track of most holidays. Some holidays coincide with others, so keep that in mind when scheduling events.
• Holiday events should be optional. Many employees feel obligated to attend holiday events, especially when they understand how critical networking is to their careers. Make sure everyone understands that attendance is voluntary.
• Provide a variety of dietary options.  Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, and Kosher are just a few dietary options with very specific preparation guidelines. Please ask for guidance or hire a professional to prepare food for specific needs.
• Decorate and educate.  If your organization decorates for the holidays, include other cultures, colors, and symbols, along with placards that explain the symbolism. Find out which holidays are important to your staff to recognize them throughout the year.

It’s clear that the inclusion of culture is being valued and received. According to Mayor Eric Adams, NYC mayor , announced recently “Diwali will be a holiday for NYC public schools starting next year. It is long overdue to say to our Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist students and communities that we see you, we acknowledge you.”

People are coming around to understanding how important it is to celebrate others and their culture.

*Be gentle and forgiving. Diversity and Inclusion in organizations are rarely one-size-fits-all. Remember, if you are not sure how to celebrate, ask thoughtful questions. Employees feel valued when their culture is seen, respected, and celebrated.  

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