Ep. 14: Dia de Diwali?

Dear Friends & Family,

Hope you all had a spooktacular Halloween! 🎃🍂

This week, I wanted to share my interesting experience with Halloween, Dia De Los Muertos, and Diwali.

Growing up as a first-generation Indo-Fijian American in East Palo Alto, California, surrounded by a predominantly Black & Hispanic community afforded me a rich cross-cultural experience.

It's something I didn't fully appreciate until recently.

This time of year, I continue to be an unabashed Halloween enthusiast, convinced that the U.S. does it best – because, really, drowning pain and death in high fructose corn syrup is the real American spirit! 🇺🇸🎃

Around the same time, in the Mexican community, Dia De Los Muertos invites us to honor our departed loved ones with ofrendas (offers). Unlike the often somber tone associated with death in American and Hindu cultures, Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of our loved ones who have passed on.

Many of us don't confront the reality of death until later in life, so having a healthy mindset around our mortality in place is crucial, especially for our younger ones. The therapeutic view of death during Dia De Los Muertos is something worth exploring!

Dia De Los Muertos is a blend of traditions itself, merging indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholicism. Foreshadowing a new tradition Karla (my sexy Mexican wife, as I like to call her), and I are cultivating – blending Dia De Los Muertos and Diwali, both occurring around this time of year.

Speaking of Diwali (deep-wali), is a celebration symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Beyond the surface, we light diyas or little candles, welcoming resilience and fortitude into our homes during the darker days of fall and winter.

Fun fact: my name, Deepak, is derived from deep-wali, meaning light. Apparently, I bring that light! ⚡️

On Diwali, Dia De Los Muertos, and even Halloween, there are moments of reflection, remembrance, and a shared tenderness within our souls.

Whether it's witnessing adorable kiddos trick-or-treating in their costumes or the soft glow of a candle on a loved one's ofrenda photo, this time of year is special.

Fall allows us to transcend cultural boundaries, reminding us of our shared humanity. Or maybe it's just the sugar rush.

Check out our Ofrenda this year, and feel free to check out my website for the whole album 🙏 

Until next week!

Deepak

Currently: 📖 : Reading | 👀: watching/listening | 🎵: song of the week | 🥷: Team messages

📖 : The Creative Act: by Rick Rubin

👀 : Take Care of Maya - Netflix

🎵 : Amor Eterno - Rocio Durcal

🥷: Executive Functioning | Mentoring lessons with me LIVE Nov 2023 : 📤️ : [email protected] for more info ⚡️