This time of year is always filled with spooky decorations and the transition to fall. In my town, people are taking down the cobwebs and swapping them out for Christmas lights, even though some trees are still green! For my family, the Halloween spirit is always accompanied by diyas and rangoli – two customs typically associated with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. 

This year, Diwali happened to coincide with Halloween day exactly. The overlap created an exciting atmosphere in our home. Jack-o-lanterns we had carved the day prior were set up next to us while we were lighting diyas to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. When trick-or-treaters came by, a few were interested in our decorations and wanted to know more about them. The experience was a display of my two worlds fusing. It felt like we weren’t only celebrating Diwali and Halloween, but how I got to share my heritage with others.

My favorite Diwali custom is rangoli, a decoration created on the floor using different colored powders. My parents let me choose what design we generate each year, and in the past, I’ve chosen everything from flowers and stars to Spongebob. It was something fun to do with my family when I was little. As I’ve gotten older, it’s turned into a nostalgic activity, especially now that my sister isn’t at home during Diwali. I feel now that our celebrations are not bound by tradition but shaped by newer influences and experiences unique to our family. The rangoli designs started with traditional patterns but have now expanded into creative expressions that mirror who we are today. Every year, my choices mirror my connection to our roots, my evolving interests, and the world around me. For instance, I included a peacock in our rangoli last year, taking inspiration from Diwali imagery and my interest in Indian wildlife. And when trick-or-treaters ask about our diyas or rangoli, I like explaining how Diwali represents the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, much as Halloween brings its symbols and stories. This reminds me that every cultural practice can be an open door, especially when shared in a setting where two traditions meet for understanding and connection.

Diwali will always be one of my favorite parts of the year, and in the future (wherever I go), I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of the new people I meet.