Life at Reward Gateway | Edenred

Celebrating Diwali: Embracing Traditions and Inclusivity at RGER

Written by Klara Owens | Nov 1, 2024 2:27:27 PM

Happy Diwali from all of us at Reward Gateway | Edenred (RGER)! This festival holds special meaning for many of our team members, and we’re excited to share our reflections on its significance. Through our Multicultural Network, we aim to showcase the beautiful traditions, inspiring stories, and customs that enrich our celebrations, offering you a window into the inclusive culture that makes RGER a great place to work.

📖 Legends and Stories That Inspire Diwali

Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, each bringing their own rich stories to the celebration. For Hindus, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In other traditions, it marks significant events such as the release of Guru Hargobind for Sikhs and Lord Mahavira’s nirvana for Jains. These narratives highlight our shared values of hope, renewal, and community, which resonate deeply within our organisation.

🌏 Unique Celebrations Across India

The diversity of Diwali celebrations across India reflects the richness of our multicultural workplace. In the north, it focuses on Lord Rama’s return, while in the south, the festival celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura. In Gujarat, it aligns with the New Year, emphasising prosperity. Each region adds its unique flavour to Diwali, showcasing how our differences unite us in celebration at RGER.

🏡 Cherished Rituals and Traditions

As part of our Diwali celebrations, many families clean and decorate their homes, create colourful rangoli designs, and light small oil lamps called diyas. 🕯️ These rituals bring our team together, fostering a sense of community and new beginnings. At RGER, we encourage everyone to share these moments, as they embody the values of respect and togetherness that we strive for in our workplace.

🍬 Sweet Treats and Festive Flavours

No celebration is complete without delicious treats! Diwali sweets like laddoos and barfis symbolise the sweetness of life, and preparing these together is a cherished tradition. Sharing these delights with colleagues not only strengthens our bonds but also enriches our company culture with joy and warmth.

🪔 Colourful Home Decorations and Diyas

Our homes—and our workplaces—are adorned with vibrant rangoli designs, flower garlands, and numerous diyas. These decorations create a welcoming atmosphere, filled with positivity and light. At RGER, we embrace this spirit of brightness, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and support for all team members.

🎇 The Symbolism of Light and Fireworks

Lighting diyas represents wisdom and clarity, helping us overcome challenges and negativity. Although we celebrate in an environmentally conscious manner, the act of bringing light into our lives serves as a reminder of our resilience and ability to thrive, even during darker times. This message aligns with our company values of growth and positivity.

🙏 Blessings and Prayers for Prosperity

During Diwali, many people pray for prosperity and good fortune, symbolising our aspirations for success, both personally and professionally. At RGER, we believe in supporting one another on this journey, ensuring that our workplace is a nurturing space for everyone.

🎁 Exchanging Gifts and Sharing Joy

Diwali is a time for exchanging sweets and gifts, wishing each other success and happiness for the year ahead. This tradition of sharing aligns perfectly with our workplace culture of collaboration and support. By celebrating together, we strengthen our community and reinforce our commitment to one another.

🌿 Diwali Traditions for Wellness

Many Diwali customs promote wellness, such as cleaning the home and participating in family rituals. These practices help us feel renewed and ready for the seasons ahead, echoing our dedication to employee wellbeing at RGER.

🌞 Embracing Diwali’s Messages Year-Round

The essence of Diwali teaches us about resilience and kindness. Just as we light lamps to bring brightness, we can cultivate positivity in our lives and workplace by supporting one another. Thank you for joining us in this celebration! We wish you a Diwali filled with light, positivity, and new beginnings.

Happy Diwali! 💫

At RGER, we are committed to celebrating diversity, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and encouraging everyone to shine in their own unique way. To learn more about our EP!C approach to DEI, visit rg.co/diversity.