Celebrating Diwali at SMA: Embracing Light, Tradition, and Team Diversity

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the Hindu festival of lights—a celebration that signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This vibrant festival, observed by millions around the world, holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for those who celebrate it. At SMA America, recognizing Diwali is more than simply honoring a holiday; it’s about celebrating the richness of diversity within our team and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

Reflecting on Diwali Traditions with SMA Team Members

For many of our team members, Diwali is a time for nostalgia, as they recall cherished childhood memories with family and friends.

Lighting Up the Neighborhood: Ravi Dodballapur’s Diwali Celebration

“The festival of lights at our home starts with being the first house in the neighborhood that puts up festival lights—which we did this weekend,” said Ravi Dodballapur,

Senior Director of Applications Engineering at SMA America. Ravi’s excitement in bringing Diwali’s light and joy to his neighborhood reflects the broader spirit of the festival—a tradition of illuminating our surroundings, both literally and metaphorically, with warmth and positivity. 

Memories of Childhood Festivities: Manuel Sebastian’s Diwali Traditions

Manuel Sebastian, Strategic Sales Manager for Energy Storage at SMA, also finds joy in sharing the experiences that make Diwali so special to him.

“I have fond memories from childhood of lighting lamps, exchanging sweets with neighborhood children and core memories of lighting the small firecrackers.” 

Diwali Memories: Ajay Subbu Raman’s Reflections on Family Traditions

For those who grew up celebrating Diwali, the holiday is also a rich tapestry of traditions. Ajay Deepak Subbu Raman, Principal Applications Engineer for Large-Scale Projects at SMA America, shared a heartfelt reflection on his childhood memories:  

“With Diwali around the corner, I find myself reminiscing about the magical celebrations of my childhood. Each year, Diwali was a highlight of our family life, filled with laughter, traditions and unforgettable moments.” 

Ajay recalls the thrill of “stocking up on firecrackers for day and night. Planning the fireworks display with his brother—sorting sparklers, rockets and flowerpots for daytime and nighttime—was an exciting ritual that marked the beginning of Diwali for their family. It was also a time for Diwali dress shopping with family, when picking new, vibrant clothes created a sense of fresh beginnings.”

Another meaningful part of the celebration for Ajay was helping his Mom with cleaning and sweets. Diwali preparations started early, especially in the kitchen, where Ajay helped his mom make traditional treats like crispy murukku and gulab jamuns. “Sneaking bites was part of the fun,” he recalls, capturing the warmth of the family kitchen during Diwali preparations. The act of preparing food and sharing it with loved ones embodies the spirit of generosity and love that defines Diwali. 

When Diwali arrived, decorating with diyas and kolam was a favorite activity for Ajay and his family. Lighting diyas around their home filled it with a soft, welcoming glow, and creating vibrant Kolam patterns at the entrance added to the festivity. Ajay’s memories of evening fireworks with friends and family bring to life the joy of gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter and creating vibrant bursts of color against the night sky. 

Capturing the Spirit of Diwali at SMA America

As we celebrate Diwali at SMA America, we honor not only the festival itself but also the importance of community, joy and shared traditions. Diwali brings a reminder of light and positivity—values that align with SMA’s mission to create sustainable solutions for a brighter future. Through recognizing Diwali and other cultural celebrations, we build a workplace culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, where diverse perspectives enrich our lives, and where we build a community of understanding and respect. 

Wishing You a Bright and Joyful Diwali!

This Diwali let’s take a moment to appreciate the warmth of togetherness and the richness of shared experiences. We wish everyone a bright and joyous Diwali! 

*Images by SMA India