How friends of Sauce & Viaduct Harbour celebrated Diwali this year
Diwali, it’s giving love and light, and everything in between. From vibrant marigolds to bejewelled adornments, fragrant culinary fare and saris that trace the intricacies of a culture so ancient – Sauce and Viaduct Harbour takes a peek into the diverse Diwali celebrations and traditions of our very own South Asian collective.
Diwali, or Deepavali as it’s also known, really begins with the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Rāmāyana. The poem chronicles the life of Lord Rama, a legendary Indian prince and his defeat over the demon king Ravana. Upon his return, the villagers within of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to mark his triumph as a symbol of good over evil. Also called Deepavali in India’s Southern states, an alternative version of the celebration marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and liberated the people of his kingdom. After slaying the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities. This is the short version…despite its Hindu origins, Diwali is a moment in which South Asian families across the world celebrate through aesthetic adornments, delectable fare and vibrant South Asian style.
In more recent years, Diwali has come to take a prime position within the sphere of popular culture. From that infamous Michael Scott rendition on the Office (US), to shows like Never Have I Ever, Diwali’s bejewelled and celebrity-filled festivities are cropping up on our social feeds faster than the UK’s replacement for Prime Minister…we see you, Rishi. If there was one festival that encompassed all the elements of globally recognised festivities, then Diwali does not disappoint. It elevates what most people would consider appropriate for a New Year’s celebration and then some. Today, people from all walks of life, even those without Hindu or South Asian roots, are invited to participate in ways that appeal to cultural appreciation across the board. Although we’ve come to understand that culture isn’t a costume, learning about how South Asians celebrate this divine festival is an open call to even those with only a modicum of religious or historical awareness.
While Diwali remains a time for such diverse celebrations, it’s important to hear how our South Asian collective participate in the festivities.
Amita Kala, Fashion Stylist & Social Media Strategist
[Based in Auckland, New Zealand]
What does it mean to celebrate Diwali for you?
I was born in South Africa as a 3rd generation Gujarati Indian, where culture and religion were deeply integrated into what defined me. That said, the difference in intensity was always noticed when compared to the relaxed religion on my mother's side of the family versus the serious religion on my father's. I never enjoyed these big festivities as a fat child because I would always need to be conscious of how my eating was going to be perceived, did my Indian outfits from the year before still fit and, whether I was too Hindu OR wasn't Hindu enough depending on whose house we were going to.
Diwali for me now is much less anxiety-provoking as only my mother and I live in Aotearoa, so it's more a time for us to dress up and eat good food. We don't do any prayers (I am no longer religious, only spiritual) as I realised I don't feel comfortable chanting words that I don't understand the true meaning of.
I think everything we do in life is about intention. As my mother and I are navigating a new relationship of post-discovery of intergenerational trauma and therapy, plus the fact that I recently found a new group of incredible friends, my mother asked I invite my non-South Asian friends to Diwali for a chance to meet them and share in our celebration. For me, this was perfect as my friends are respectful and I had a great time styling them whilst they provided unwavering love in a situation where I can often feel triggered by feeling like I am not enough. Come through community support!
From food to fashion - what is the one non-negotiable for the perfect Diwali celebration for you?
One of India's most-loved cookies, the Nankhatai, is a crunchy butter-rich cookie invented in a bakery in Surat, Gujarat established by the Dutch, during their reign in India. My grandmother used to make these every Diwali and my mother keeps this tradition alive, even adapting the recipe to being plant-based since I changed my diet to vegan!
South Asian fashion is so vibrant, but a non-negotiable would be to wear a bindi - as a spiritual person I believe in our body's chakras and there is something about wearing a bindi that feels really activating.
If you could share a highlight of your favourite Diwali moments, what would it be?
My grandmother was always a safe space for me, she never fat-shamed me or told me to eat less so my favourite memories include 1:1's with her unapologetically devouring several of her decadent Nankhatai biscuits with old-school Bollywood tracks playing in the background.
What are some of your favourite South Asian jewellery or fashion brands that you gravitate towards?
I recently discovered a brand called Kriti Attire (@kritiattire) on Instagram and fell in love with their selections. I speak again about being a fat woman growing up as Indian Aunties caused the most trauma for me and buying new clothing would always be hard with their off-hand comments if the arms were too tight, etc. Kriti Attire is a mother and daughter duo company that provides such a wholesome experience. Offering no shame and only stunning garments with positive energy - they even hype me up on Instagram so would 100% recommend them!
Recipe for Nankhatai —
I've name-dropped Nankhatai a few times in this interview so it feels only right to share the plant-based recipe here:
125g vegan butter (Nuttalex is best!)
1/2C oil
3/4C white sugar
1C flour
1C channa (chickpea) flour
1/2C semolina
1t baking powder
1/2t baking soda
1t crushed elaichi (cardamom)
1/4t nutmeg
1/2t salt
1/2C crushed roasted almonds
Cream butter, oil and sugar together before sifting in flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Then add the semolina, cardamom and salt and gently stir to create a dough. Preheat oven to 150 degrees and press the mixture on a tray and cut into squares before baking for just 20 minutes, then switch the oven off and leave tray inside to allow biscuits to crispen. The texture is incredibly crumbly and delicate so needs time to firm. Devour with favourite chai
“I think everything we do in life is about intention. As my mother and I are navigating a new relationship of post-discovery of intergenerational trauma and therapy, plus the fact that I recently found a new group of incredible friends, my mother asked I invite my non-South Asian friends to Diwali for a chance to meet them and share in our celebration. ”
Anita Chhiba, Founder and Creator of Diet Paratha
[Based in London, UK]
What does it mean to celebrate Diwali for you, especially today?
I've only recently started celebrating and getting into the festive spirit. We never really did back home in NZ. Aside from a few whatsapp messages here and there. My mum said we used to perform in the local community Diwali concerts, but we never really did a lot otherwise. Some rangoli outside the house when we were younger. Fast forward to now, having done a lot of self work in reclaiming my heritage and identity, I feel quite spiritually connected to Diwali rather than religiously. The abundance of well wishes, warmth, forgiveness and positivity from loved ones is making it so special to me. And of course, the sharing of food. Despite what’s going on in the world thats trying to divide us as a people, Diwali often feels like we can coexist in peace and in unity. Being able to celebrate with friends of all faiths and identities helps cement this.
From food to fashion - what is the one non-negotiable for the perfect Diwali celebration?
Well judging from the two year's I've properly celebrated as an adult: Friends, candles and major floral arrangements.
If you could share a highlight of your favourite Diwali moments, what would it be?
It would easily have to be last year! The first time I truly properly celebrated Diwali as an adult living away from New Zealand. It was my BYREEDO Mumbai Noise launch party. Diet Paratha was asked to curate the UK launch by casting 10 artists from Mumbai and from across the diaspora to capture their Indian roots. To reimagine a giant bottle in their own rights. This was then showcased at BYREDO’s flagship store in SOHO. An event which coincided with Diwali a few days later. Only fitting considering the brand's beautiful candle range. The event paid over 25 South Asian people from the DP community. From DJ’s, florists, cocktail makers, artists, chefs, staff and so on. It was also the first time I had hosted an event for Diet Paratha! The whole London community came through and showed OUT! A lot of people only knew of each other from the internet and so many beautiful friendships were solidified in real life. A super special moment for me. And so much fun!
What are some of your favourite South Asian brands that you gravitate towards for the celebration?
I didn't actually have a major dress up moment this year. Diwali fell on a Monday so we just dressed the house up cute and had a small dinner of 6 guests. Kind of low key. But one brand I absolutely adore, alongside BYREDO is Suru Living! It's a Punjabi founded candle and lifestyle brand from East London. I used their candles and their Studio Brae ceramic collaboration cup as a vase.
A holiday dish
100% my mum's spicy lamb chops! A must for any celebration at our house.
“Having done a lot of self work in reclaiming my heritage and identity, I feel quite spiritually connected to Diwali rather than religiously. The abundance of well wishes, warmth, forgiveness and positivity from loved ones is what is making it so special to me. And of course, the sharing of food. Despite what’s going on in the world thats trying to divide us as a people, Diwali often feels like we can coexist in peace and in unity.”
Shivana Pemberton, Director, five to nine and Don’t Tell Aunty
[Based in Auckland, New Zealand]
What does it mean to celebrate Diwali for you, especially today?
Diwali is such a special celebration, unlike any other I've experienced across other cultures. It's a celebration of light over darkness, and for me, I treasure this in all facets of life. From the pooja, to the colour, to the food, it's a time where we come together with loved ones, and enter a new year together. Not only do I feel comfortable sharing this with non-South Asians, I welcome it. I like to think that the key sentiments of Diwali - light over darkness, good over evil, hope over despair - were designed to be shared with all that welcome and show respect for the occasion.
From food to fashion - what is the one non-negotiable for the perfect Diwali celebration for you?
The sweets!! Gulab jamun, barfi, and peda slayy.
If you could share a highlight of your favourite Diwali moments, what would it be?
One thing we do each year that I really value, is we hold a (we will call it) ceremony of sorts at key entrances of our home. It's a little difficult to explain, but to put it simply, it involves washing the entrance, marking the entrance with swastikas, flowers, and candles, and entering the house with your right foot first. The purpose is to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
What are some of your favourite South Asian jewellery or fashion brands that you gravitate towards, to look the part?
I draw a lot of inspiration from Mani Jassal (@manikjassal) and The Saree Room (@thesareeroom).
“One thing we do each year that I really value, is we hold a (we will call it) ceremony of sorts at key entrances of our home. It’s a little difficult to explain, but to put it simply, it involves washing the entrance, marking the entrance with swastikas, flowers, and candles, and entering the house with your right foot first. The purpose is to welcome prosperity and good fortune. ”
Gaia Chinniah, Healer, Medium and Spiritual Coach
Founder of Soul 33 [healing company based in New Zealand]
What is the essence of Diwali and what does it mean to you?
The sanskrit word Deepavali means a 'row of lights'. This is why many are familiar with Diwali being the Festival of Lights. What it really represents is an ancient mythological story where there was a return of power and the light led the way back into our lives. In essence it's a celebration that there is always a light even on our darkest days and even when we feel there is no hope, the ultimate trust will shine the light down the path that leads us back to our own power, abundance and faith.
Diwali always falls on a New Moon and this is why the date of the festival changes, but always falls between October and November. The New Moon means the sky is dark, and we are to create our own light to see. This is why traditional clay lamps are lit, there are fireworks displays and homes are filled with constant light over the celebration.
If you could share some highlights of your favourite Diwali moments, what would it be?
Diwali was our Christmas while growing up in Malaysia. While gifts weren't exchanged it was traditional to receive money from family members, as part of the festival is to call in abundance into our lives. There would be an array of food, new clothing and what we would call an 'open home'. Our home would be open to all friends, family and neighbours to join together and eat with us. It was a bringing together of everyone. People would come all day long to eat and celebrate. As a family we would light lamps together showing unity and that the light brings us back together. What I also loved is that the house would have oil lamps going all night creating this beautiful ambience.
Your favourite Diwali recipe —
Vegan Mango Lassi — A delicious drink or dessert. This is for 2 servings
One cup of frozen mango (for texture), fresh is or canned is ok but frozen is best
One cup of Raglan coconut yoghurt, any yoghurt is fine
Pinch of celtic salt or any other salt
A tablespoon of maple syrup, any other sweetener of your choice to taste
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 a cup of water or rose water
A tablespoon of lemon or lime juice
Three tablespoons of coconut milk
Blitz the above. Lassi is meant to be thick and more decadent if being served as a dessert, dilute to the consistency you desire.
Diwali decor tips —
Diyas are clay lamps, you can buy them online or at an Indian store. Fill them with oil and they have a fabric wick, which you light outside (as they are very symbolic and provide light in the darkness).
It's also traditional to draw beautiful colourful art on the front porch. This is traditionally done with coloured rice but people now do it with chalk or you can buy pre-made Kolams decals and lay them on the ground.
From a spiritual perspective it's encouraged that you clean your house, sage it to purify it energetically, pop on clean sheets, just a sense of newness overall.
“Diwali always falls on a New Moon and this is why the date of the festival changes, but always falls between October and November. The New Moon means the sky is dark, and we are to create our own light to see. This is why traditional clay lamps are lit, there are fireworks displays and homes are filled with constant light over the celebration. ”
Images supplied by Amita Kala, Anita Chhiba, Shivana Nicole and Gaia Chinniah
[thank you Amita, Anita, Shivana and Gaia]
Interview and words : Nancy Johnson-Hunt
This post was brought to you in partnership with our friends at Viaduct Harbour
