The moment you step into the EY Gurgaon office during Diwali week, something shifts. The familiar corporate hum transforms into a low buzz of excitement, color, and warmth. The crisp aroma of marigolds, the glow of diyas lining the corridors, and the rhythmic echoes of dhol beats infuse a festive pulse into the otherwise polished corporate environment. This isn’t just another day at the office. It’s Diwali at EY Gurgaon — and it’s nothing short of a cultural celebration stitched seamlessly into the fabric of corporate life.
Lighting Up More Than Just the Workspace
Each year, the Diwali festivities at EY Gurgaon are a reflection of its inclusive and employee-first culture. Planning starts weeks in advance. A dedicated cross-functional team, featuring volunteers from different departments, spearheads the initiative. The goal? To create an experience that celebrates tradition, fosters togetherness, and makes every employee feel at home — even if they’re miles away from their families.
Sakshi Mehra, a Senior Associate in the Tax division, shares her excitement. “We look forward to Diwali here just like we do at home. It’s not just about the decorations or the food — it’s about the feeling. There’s an emotion in the air. Everyone pitches in; we all become part of one big family.”
Thematic Décor: Traditional Meets Modern
Walk through the EY Gurgaon office during Diwali, and you’ll witness a transformation that merges professional elegance with cultural vibrance. Every floor adopts a unique theme — from “Royal Rajasthani” to “Bollywood Glam” — with teams competing in the much-anticipated Décor Wars.
“We love the creativity this competition sparks,” says Rahul Tandon from the Talent team. “Last year, one team created a working replica of a traditional Indian haveli in their bay area, complete with a faux water fountain and rangoli entrance.”
The judging panel includes leadership members, adding an extra layer of excitement. Winners receive trophies and goodies, but more importantly, office bragging rights for the next 12 months.
A Week of Events: Talent, Togetherness, and Tradition
Diwali celebrations at EY Gurgaon stretch across the week, blending work-life balance with festivity. Each day brings something new — a fashion parade one day, a musical jam the next. The Ethnic Wear Day is particularly popular. Employees come dressed in their finest kurtas, sarees, and lehengas, representing a kaleidoscope of Indian culture.
“It’s the only day I’ve ever seen our audit lead in a sherwani,” laughs Arjun Desai, an analyst from the Advisory division. “Everyone goes the extra mile. It’s like a wedding — just with spreadsheets and laptops in the background.”
One of the most cherished traditions is the DIY Rangoli Challenge, where teams create floor art from colored powders, flowers, and even recycled office stationery. More than a contest, it’s a moment for colleagues to collaborate beyond deadlines and deliverables.
Food: A Festival of Flavors
Of course, no Diwali celebration is complete without food. EY Gurgaon transforms into a food lover’s paradise with pop-up stalls, potlucks, and catered festive lunches. From north Indian mithai to south Indian snacks, the diversity of dishes mirrors the diversity of the workforce.
One of the most loved traditions is the Diwali Dabba Exchange — where employees pack homemade treats in traditional tins and exchange them with one another. It’s a sweet reminder of home for many employees who can’t make it back during the holiday season.
“Opening my dabba to find nankhatai and dry fruit laddoos made by a colleague’s grandmother — it’s that personal touch that makes this place feel like home,” says Nisha Reddy from the Risk Advisory team.
The Diwali Mela: A Carnival at Work
Perhaps the highlight of the week is the Diwali Mela, an office carnival that brings together games, shopping stalls, and live performances under one roof. Think of it as a traditional Indian fair — just relocated to the office atrium.
Local artisans and entrepreneurs are invited to set up stalls selling handicrafts, ethnic wear, festive décor, and eco-friendly gifts. This initiative not only supports small businesses but also allows employees to indulge in festive shopping without leaving the office.
Live music, stand-up acts, and dance performances — many by employees themselves — take center stage at the mela. “Watching your manager perform a stand-up routine or your HR partner lead a Garba group — it really breaks down barriers,” says Shreya Anand, a campus hire from last year. “There’s laughter, dancing, and a whole lot of bonding.”
Giving Back: The True Spirit of Diwali
While the celebrations are grand, EY Gurgaon doesn’t forget the deeper essence of Diwali — gratitude and giving back. Each year, the firm runs a ‘Diwali with a Cause’ initiative. Employees contribute to donation drives for underprivileged children, participate in volunteering activities, and support NGOs through charity sales.
Last year’s campaign focused on providing solar lanterns to rural households without electricity. “Lighting up homes — that’s what Diwali is all about,” says Ruchika Narang, part of the CSR team. “It’s a reminder that our celebrations can also bring joy to those beyond our walls.”
A Cultural Legacy That Shines
For EY Gurgaon, Diwali is not just a festival — it’s an annual tradition that reinforces community, celebrates diversity, and humanizes the workplace. In an industry known for its intensity and deadlines, taking time to acknowledge joy and connection makes a profound impact.
As diyas flicker along the glass panels, laughter echoes in conference rooms repurposed as dance floors, and sweets are passed around alongside spreadsheets, one thing becomes clear — culture isn’t just framed in corporate decks at EY Gurgaon. It lives, breathes, and celebrates, especially during Diwali.
And as the final aarti is performed in the office atrium, with hundreds of employees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer and reflection, there’s a glow that goes beyond the lights — a glow of shared experience, mutual respect, and a corporate culture that truly celebrates its people.
