Diwali (or Deepavali – meaning “row of lights” in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language) is the Indian “festival of lights”. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Celebrations and observances vary depending on the region. For many people, Diwali honors the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come. In northern India, Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama and Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana! In the region of Bengal people worship the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, during Diwali. And in the South, people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the wicked king Narakaasura. Though primarily a Hindu festival, variations of Diwali are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths.
But Diwali is not just about lights and legends – it is a time to have fun with friends and family. People decorate their homes with rangolis (an art form in which patterns are created on the floor and decorated with colorful powders, sand, flour or flowers), illuminate their homes with oil lamps and lanterns, wear new clothes, enjoy fireworks, make delicious sweets and snacks and exchange gifts with friends, family and neighbors.
Diwali isn’t just a popular festival in India, but it has become one of the most recognized and celebrated Indian festival outside of India as well!
This August 15th will mark the 77th anniversary of India’s independence, which is celebrated with pride across India and by Indian citizens all over the world.
Every year on 15th August, the streets of India are adorned with the tricolors of the national flag as the country celebrates its day of independence.
It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism (of more than 200 years), and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the country.
India’s gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
August 15 is a national holiday in India.
On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the “Address of the Nation”. On August 15, the
The prime minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site of Red Fort in Delhi (India’s Capital). Tributes are paid to our freedom fighters, and the sacrifices of our leaders of the Indian Independence movements are remembered.
The Indian National anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” is sung, followed by a march past the divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces. Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the independence struggle and India’s diverse cultural traditions. All events are telecast on National television.
Similar events take place at every state, with Chief Ministers presiding over the ceremonies.
Schools and colleges all over India celebrate Independence Day with cultural events and parades.
Check out how our colleagues in India Celebrated!
Perficient India Independence Day Celebrations 2023 – Chennai Office
Perficient India Celebrates Independence Day 2023
More coming up!
As part of the Cultural Connections ERG, we will be brining you more culture news, stories and updates. Stay tuned!!
To learn more about the Cultural Connections ERG, all you need to do is simply join the Perficient’s Cultural Connections ERG Teams Channel
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This August 15th will mark the 77th anniversary of India’s independence, which is celebrated with pride across India and by Indian citizens all over the world.
Every year on 15th August, the streets of India are adorned with the tricolors of the national flag as the country celebrates its day of independence.
It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism (of more than 200 years), and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the country.
India’s gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
August 15 is a national holiday in India.
On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the “Address of the Nation”. On August 15, the
The prime minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site of Red Fort in Delhi (India’s Capital). Tributes are paid to our freedom fighters, and the sacrifices of our leaders of the Indian Independence movements are remembered.
The Indian National anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” is sung, followed by a march past the divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces. Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the independence struggle and India’s diverse cultural traditions. All events are telecast on National television.
Similar events take place at every state, with Chief Ministers presiding over the ceremonies.
Schools and colleges all over India celebrate Independence Day with cultural events and parades.
Check out how our colleagues in India Celebrated!
Perficient India Independence Day Celebrations 2023 – Chennai Office
Perficient India Celebrates Independence Day 2023
More coming up!
As part of the Cultural Connections ERG, we will be brining you more culture news, stories and updates. Stay tuned!!
To learn more about the Cultural Connections ERG, all you need to do is simply join the Perficient’s Cultural Connections ERG Team Channel
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This has been an eventful year at Perficient’s Michigan office and for the Culture Committee. With more colleagues returning to the office when pandemic restrictions were lifted, the culture committee team went into action mode to make sure we had events lined up for all to participate in. Whether it was the in-office and virtual Lunch & Learns or pancake breakfasts or the after-hours board games sessions or some new experiments outside the office like leasing a plot for gardening or the Life Remodeled project, the team did it all. And I can say, it was not just fun planning, but it was rewarding as well to see colleagues participating and enjoying these events.
Here are some highlights of the events:
We had a wide variety of Lunch & Learn sessions this year: from cheese-making to cosplay to applying henna tattoos, and from bracelet-making to a session on American sign language, there was something for everyone. This has been a great series to learn something new or identify a new hobby.
Community Engagements: Donation drives, Kidney Walk ( at the Detroit Zoo), Life Remodeled project and more.
On the left: The Perficient team participated in and supported the Life Remodeled project in their sustainable neighborhood revitalization work in Detroit. And on the right: The Holiday Donation drive drop off. The Michigan office teamed up with the Livonia Police department to provide gifts and much-needed items to seniors in low-income housing facilities.
Fun, in-office events: Board games, pancake breakfast, office cook-ins, the Tiger’s game (vs the Padres), cookie exchange, and Halloween contest to name a few.
And, of course, wonderful picnics and parties!
We had a great time at the Fall picnic this year, bringing back the cornhole tournament. And rounding off this year’s events, was the wonderful Holiday Party with food and games at Dave & Busters!!
The culture committee is looking forward to hosting many more wonderful events in 2023!! So, stay tuned, and wish you all a very Happy New Year!
]]>It was a beautiful windy Fall evening on September 22nd and the Michigan Perficient colleagues and their families gathered at the Rotary Park for the annual picnic.
There was delicious food, drinks, and desserts as well fun games for kids and adults alike.
The annual corn hole tournament saw the previous winners dethroned with new competitors flexing their throwing arms. But ultimately, congratulations to the winners Ron and Alex!
Every year, at the picnic, a canned food drive is organized and this time around it was no different. But this time it was extra special as Michigan was gunning for the win for the HAM’s (Hunger Action Month) competition! While we did not win, Michigan is proud to have donated 352 cans of food to our local food bank (Claranceville Food Bank)!!
U plant, U pick! The Michigan PRFT culture committee recently rented a plot of land at the Greenmead Community Gardens in Livonia, and some enthusiastic colleagues have been tending to it by tilling, planting, weeding, and watering. Of course, one needn’t be a green thumb to join; anyone who can spell – plant , can volunteer at the garden. It is a quick drive to the garden as it’s just about two miles from the Livonia office, so you can head over before or after work!
It is a great opportunity for the novices to learn from avid gardeners or those without space to have a shot at gardening on land instead of containers. You are more than welcome to stop by our plot and participate (Bonus – you can bring your friends and family too – a wonderful ‘farm-to-table’ experience if you want to initiate your kids to gardening or learn about plants!!) If you are interested in visiting and/or joining our gardening team, please reach out to Amy Becker (amy.becker@perficient.com) for a parking pass and you will be all set!
While the garden has just started to take shape, I hope we’ll be harvesting fresh produce in a few weeks. We have planted a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers! Look at the pictures of our garden and see if you can guess what we’ve grown so far. Stay tuned to this space for more updates! Happy Summer!!
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