As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, millions around the world get ready to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This beautiful festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families gather to share joy, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories. We’ve had the pleasure this year to speak to one of our valued employees about how he celebrates with his family and supports his local community during Diwali.
1. Hi Bhupendra, tell us a little bit about yourself, and what you do here at Severn Trent Services.
Best known as Bhups Parekh, I’ve always lived in Coventry. I grew up in Coventry and also always worked in Coventry. I live with my wife and 17 Year old son. I work as a BI Developer in the Severn Trent Services within the Systems and Reporting Team.
2. With it coming up to Diwali soon, how do you typically celebrate Diwali with your family and friends?
Being a Gujarati Hindu there are pre and post Diwali rituals that are carried out and these all focus on celebrating good vs evil, light over darkness, wellbeing, prosperity and the start of the Hindu New Year. Some of these are carried out privately at home and others at the local Hindu temple and with Families and Friends. Making/buying specialist (super unhealthy) sweets and snacks to share with family (and eat yourself) when they visit. Taking blessing and visiting family elders is a key activity that is carried out on Hindu New Year’s which is the day after Diwali.
3. What does Diwali mean to you personally?
For me its time to reflect on the past year. What went well, what to do in the coming year to help others, and help yourself. It’s also a time to just enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
4. Can you share a memorable Diwali experience or tradition?
As a child every year we would visit all of my uncles and aunts, which was 12 households. They would bless us with good wishes and then give us money gifts.
5. What are some of your favorite Diwali foods or sweets?
Sweets aren’t my first choice usually, but recently there has been a fusion of Indian sweets with a modern twist such as Eaton Mess Barfi, Strawberry Cheesecake Barfi, Lemon Drizzle Barfi. Then there is the regular Samosa’s, Spring Rolls, Paneer Chilli, variations of home made Bombay Mix and Spicy Indian Pizza’s.
6. How do you prepare for Diwali, is there anything you get involved with in particular both at home and in the community?
On the weekend before Diwali I take part in the Diwali Basket Brigade which is a charity event held in Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester and London that raises money for food hampers that are distributed in the local community. Last year I attended the Leicester event and supported the putting together of 500 food hampers. I also donated to the charity for the event.
At home we ensure our home has had a good Autumn clean, decluttering and disposing of anything that is no longer used as it is believed that this will allow for good energy to flow through your home and to Light up the house with Candles and lights. On Diwali we light fireworks celebrating light over darkness.
7. What’s a message you’d like to share with your colleagues, friends and family this Diwali.
Please be thoughtful of others, help each other and consider your own mental wellbeing. Spend as much time with your elderly family members as you can. Be grateful for what you have and enjoy all festivities.
As millions light up their homes and hearts this Diwali, let’s all remember to spread the light of kindness, gratitude, and togetherness within our workplace and homes. May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and success to each one of you and your families. Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali!
