A celebration of DIVERSITY – Residents & Staff join in Nepalese Festival of Light
Nepalese staff at Quirindi Care Services found solace this year as they commemorated their homeland’s grandest celebration—Deepawali, the Nepalese Festival of Light.
The small yet vibrant Nepalese community within Qurindi Care Services felt a sense of belonging as they embraced this festival of light, prosperity, and hope alongside residents and fellow staff who joined in the celebrations.
“As part of a culturally diverse team at Eloura, our Nepalese staff, including myself, feel a strong yearning for home during this season,” shared Ruma Shakya, Registered Nurse at Eloura.
“So, we decided to celebrate Deepawali at our workplace, where we spend most of our time, and where our Eloura family holds such significance in our lives.
“We cooked Nepalese food, all staff and residents joined, we performed a little piece of our traditional dance and music and the residents enjoyed it all as much as the staff.
“For me personally, getting to celebrate this festival with Eloura family made me miss home a little less this year,” Ms Shakya said.
Deepawali spans five days: The first day, Kaag Tihar, is dedicated to worshipping the bird-crow, offering them food. On the second day, Kukur Tihar, dogs take centre stage. On day three, Laxmi Puja, involves honouring the Hindu Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, with artwork at our doorsteps to welcome her. The fourth day, Goverdhan Puja/Mha Puja, includes reverence for cows and self-appreciation, thanking one’s own body. Lastly, on Bhai Tika, the fifth day, a celebration is made to honour one’s brothers and sisters.
Kim Riley, General Manager of QCS, said, “This celebration holds immense significance for our Nepalese staff, and we feel privileged to partake in this celebration alongside them. The facility was adorned beautifully with lights, floral decorations, and the food—truly spectacular.”
Traditionally, Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is celebrated with lights, decorations, prayers, rituals, fireworks, gift exchanges, feasting, and cultural performances. Overall, Deepawali symbolizes the celebration of light, prosperity, the victory of good over evil, and the rejuvenation of life and relationships.
