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Sandians find inspiration in Diwali celebration

BY MICHAEL ELLIS LANGLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER TOY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Festival held for first time on California campus

ALL FOR DIWALI — Dozens of people celebrated Diwali for the first time on the California campus with cultural exchanges of traditions and lessons about how light combats darkness.
ALL FOR DIWALI — Dozens of people celebrated Diwali for the first time on the California campus with cultural exchanges of traditions and lessons about how light combats darkness.

The light pushes back the darkness,” which is at the center of the Diwali celebration, is a message that was aptly given to attendees at Sandia’s festival on Oct. 30.

The Asian Pacific Leadership Committee hosted the hybrid event for the first time at Sandia California. Diwali is an important festival for those who follow the Hindu faith, and it is observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

Those who gathered in person at the Distributed Information Systems Laboratory not only got some sweet and savory treats in the courtyard, they got to paint small oil lamps and decorate traditional art expressions of the festival. In an indoor presentation inside, every attendee learned how the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Deputy Associate Labs Director for Integrated Security Solutions Trish Benguerel emceed the event on behalf of the Asian Pacific Leadership Committee, encouraging everyone to learn from the lessons conveyed during Diwali. Committee Chair Brian Duong talked about how important it is that Diwali is part of Sandia California’s annual events.

“Celebrating Diwali on-site was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, embracing the spirit of light, joy and unity,” Brian said. “It is inspiring to see our diverse workforce share in this vibrant festival, fostering connections and understanding among us all.”

LIGHT THE DARK — Attendees of the Diwali event at Sandia California painted small candle holders as part of the festivities.
LIGHT THE DARK — Attendees of the Diwali event at Sandia California painted small candle holders as part of the festivities.
ART EXPRESSION — Rangoli — art in which patterns are created using materials including powdered limestone, colored sand and rocks, quartz powder and flower petals — were on display during Sandia California’s first Diwali celebration on Oct. 30.
ART EXPRESSION — Rangoli — art in which patterns are created using materials including powdered limestone, colored sand and rocks, quartz powder and flower petals — were on display during Sandia California’s first Diwali celebration on Oct. 30.
TASTE OF DIWALI — Food, which is a big part of Diwali observances, brought people together on the California campus.
TASTE OF DIWALI — Food, which is a big part of Diwali observances, brought people together on the California campus.
DIWALI EMCEE — Deputy Associate Labs Director for Integrated Security Solutions Trish Benguerel kicks off the Diwali event on Oct. 30 with a few words on behalf of the Asian Pacific Leadership Committee that organized it.
DIWALI EMCEE — Deputy Associate Labs Director for Integrated Security Solutions Trish Benguerel kicks off the Diwali event on Oct. 30 with a few words on behalf of the Asian Pacific Leadership Committee that organized it.
DIWALI 101 — Sandians who celebrate Diwali as part of their culture explained the festival of lights to attendees of the inaugural Sandia California event on Oct. 30.
DIWALI 101 — Sandians who celebrate Diwali as part of their culture explained the festival of lights to attendees of the inaugural Sandia California event on Oct. 30.
NOTHING BUT TREATS — The Diwali event on the California campus on Oct. 30 drew dozens of Sandians to enjoy the food and art that is part of the festival.
NOTHING BUT TREATS — The Diwali event on the California campus on Oct. 30 drew dozens of Sandians to enjoy the food and art that is part of the festival.

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