Event Diaries: Diwali CelebrAsian
Each Fall, the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community in Colorado comes together for our Diwali CelebrAsian, an annual tradition led by Asian Girls Ignite (AGI) 10th grade students, Jessica A. and Priya K. The soft glow of diyas, the aroma of freshly prepared Indian food, and the vibrant decorations transformed the Central Park Pavilion in Denver into a celebration of culture, identity, and belonging as families arrived and students welcome one another into the space.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in Indian culture. Often celebrated in the autumn season between October and November, the celebration symbolizes light overcoming darkness and hope, guiding communities forward. Families often decorate their homes with small clay lamps called diyas, share meals, and gather with loved ones to honor stories of renewal, goodness, and togetherness. At its heart, Diwali is about community, generosity, and celebrating the light we carry for one another.
Diyas and Hennas as Symbols of Connection
The celebration began with students gathered around the diya painting table, a space for calm connection and conversation. These small clay oil lamps, symbols of light over darkness and shared light, set the tone for the evening’s theme of togetherness and reflection. Traditionally, they are often placed around the entrance of the home, intended to welcome in wealth, peace, and prosperity. The tradition to decorate diyas brings families and communities together to share in the joyous and hopeful spirit of the festival
A special part of this event was led by Priya, offering henna designs to her peers alongside henna artist Rita Sheth. The moment embodied AGI’s mission by connecting students with mentors who reflect their culture and help them see themselves in new ways. Two South Asian artists from different generations shared space, creativity, and joy, turning a simple art activity into a powerful exchange of identity and affirmation.
What is Henna?
Henna is a traditional plant-based dye used for celebrations across South Asia, often representing blessing, joy, and the beauty of gathering together. Different designs hold various meanings that can include protection, wellness, and wisdom.
Celebrating Identity Through Shared Stories
From left to right: Janice A, Jessica A. Priya K., AJ K., and Gina F.
Once everyone settled in, Jessica and Priya, along with their families who helped plan the event, introduced the meaning of Diwali as the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light over darkness and hope over despair. They shared what it feels like to be among the few Indian students at their school and how events like this allow them to share tradition more openly with their peers.
Jessica reflected that her favorite part of Diwali is spending time with community, a feeling her mom remembers from growing up in India when families visited each other’s homes to celebrate together. Priya’s parents shared how their mixed-background family continues passing down tradition by adapting elements of celebration with love and intention, while finding a growing sense of community here in Colorado.
A Warm Ending to A Night of Celebration
As the storytelling came to a close, everyone gathered outside to light sparklers! After the sparklers illuminated the night sky, the pavilion filled with the comforting aromas of dinner and the hum of conversation. Families gathered to share a delicious meal catered by Himchuli, featuring samosas, tandoori chicken, paneer, dahl, rice, naan, alu gobi, and gulab jamun for dessert. The meal carried a sense of home, giving students the chance to introduce their peers to the flavors they grew up with and experience the joy of seeing their culture celebrated at the table.
After dinner came a burst of friendly competition with Housie, a traditional Indian game similar to bingo that is often played at community gatherings. As numbers were called, families laughed, cheered, and celebrated small wins with cultural snacks and treats. The game became more than entertainment; it was a reminder of how joy, connection, and shared play transcend generations.
The night then flowed into a Garba and Dandiya workshop led by Mudra Dance Studio, an Indian dance school based in Centennial, Colorado. These traditional folk dances from Gujarat are performed in circles with rhythmic steps and sticks called dandiyas, symbolizing unity, celebration, and the triumph of light over darkness. Under the guidance of instructor Ninaad Nariani, students and families filled the room with motion, learning, laughing, and dancing together until the celebration closed on a note of pure joy.
Our annual Diwali CelebrAsian reflects what happens when young people are trusted to lead, teach, and bring their whole selves into community. These spaces build confidence, connection, and cultural pride in ways that stay with students long after the event ends. With donor support, AGI can continue creating programs where AANHPI youth feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to shine in their own voice.
Join Our Mailing List
If you believe in the power of young people and the communities they’re shaping, we’d love for you to stay connected with us at Asian Girls Ignite. Sign up for our mailing list to receive stories, event updates, and ways to nurture the next generation as they grow, lead, and shine.
About Asian Girls Ignite
Founded in October 2020, Asian Girls Ignite is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs for AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth to celebrate their individual and collective power. We use storytelling to empower the next generation to write their futures in their own voice. Our programs nurture social-emotional learning to help our students grow in resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.