Written By
September 6, 2022
August 31, 2022
August 11, 2022
There are many factors when it comes to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for all employees. An important endeavor is making sure different cultures and holidays are celebrated and honored appropriately.
At GKG, our Inclusion and Culture (I&C) team works diligently to ensure people from all backgrounds and cultures feel like they belong. When a diverse array of holidays and traditions are celebrated in a workplace, employees of those cultures are more likely to feel welcomed and comfortable within the company.
On November 9th, 2021, the main lobby at GKG’s headquarters was transformed into a magical and relaxing ambiance full of candles and flowers to celebrate the Hindu holiday, Diwali.
Diwali, often referred to as the festival of lights, is one of the most popular holidays in India, and is celebrated by a few different religions, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, some Buddhists. The holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. People observe the festival by decorating their houses and streets with lights and flowers and gather with friends and family to join in prayers and activities.
Komal Mittal, GKG’s Corporate Controller, added her own personal touch to GKG’s Diwali celebration by providing handmade decorations and candles to help transform GKG into our own mini-festival of lights. She also wore a beautiful saree and shared with employees about the significance and history of Diwali. Along with the decorations, a taste of India was also brought into the office.
Employees who may not have known what Diwali was, or never experienced it firsthand, were now fully immersed in the culture with food, drinks, decorations, music, and fun facts thanks to Komal and the I&C team.
Photographed: GKG President, Jeff Fowler and GKG Corporate Controller, Komal Mittal.
