Diwali Is the Light We Need More Of
Every autumn, the world glimmers a little brighter. Across India and throughout South Asia, homes, temples, and entire city streets burst to life with a sea of flickering lights. This is Diwali — the Festival of Lights — a radiant celebration that transcends religion, geography, and time. It is a festival steeped in mythology, but more than that, it is a living expression of hope, unity, and the unyielding belief that light will always outshine darkness.
The word Diwali derives from the Sanskrit Deepavali, meaning “a row of lamps.” At its heart, it is a reminder that illumination is not merely external — it’s the awakening of something deep within. For Hindus, it marks the homecoming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana after 14 years in exile and the triumph over the demon king, Ravana — a story immortalized in the Ramayana. Lamps were lit across the kingdom to welcome them home, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.
For Jains, Diwali honors the moment Lord Mahavira achieved moksha — spiritual liberation. For Sikhs, it commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from captivity, embodying freedom and justice. Each tradition, in its own sacred rhythm, celebrates the resilience of the human spirit — the capacity to overcome despair and begin again.
Over five luminous days, families sweep out the old, adorn their homes with rangoli patterns, light diyas and candles, share sweets, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, inviting prosperity and abundance into their lives. But beyond ritual and reverence, Diwali is a heartbeat —
— a gathering of generations, a reminder to let go of resentment, to forgive, and to start anew.
There’s something profound about standing beneath a night sky illuminated by a thousand tiny flames. In that glow lives a quiet truth: even in the darkest corners of our world — and ourselves — light finds a way through. Diwali teaches us that renewal isn’t just seasonal; it’s spiritual. It’s a choice we make, again and again, to believe in goodness, to extend compassion, and to let the light within us guide the way forward.
Editor’s Reflection
At Se Lever Magazine, we believe in the transformative power of light — not only as a symbol, but as an action. Diwali reminds us that illumination begins with intention: to see one another with empathy, to rebuild what’s been broken, and to create beauty from the embers of adversity. In a world that can feel divided and uncertain, this festival of lights calls on us to rise — to celebrate resilience, cultural memory, and the endless capacity of humanity to begin again.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Overview
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and across South Asia. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words deepa (lamp) and avali (row), meaning “a row of lights.” It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Cultural and Religious Significance:
For Hindus, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana — a story told in the epic Ramayana. To welcome them home, people lit oil lamps, which is why lamps, lanterns, and candles are still an essential part of the celebration.
For others, such as Jains, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained spiritual liberation (moksha). In Sikhism, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. Though rooted in different traditions, all share a theme of freedom, renewal, and spiritual victory.
Traditions and Celebrations:
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with distinct customs:
- Day 1 (Dhanteras): People clean and decorate their homes, and purchase gold, silver, or utensils to invite prosperity.
- Day 2 (Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali): Homes are decorated with rangoli (colorful floor designs), and lamps are lit.
- Day 3 (Lakshmi Puja): The main day of Diwali honors Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, with prayers, lights, and feasting.
- Day 4 (Govardhan Puja): Celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of villagers from torrential rains.
- Day 5 (Bhai Dooj): A day to honor the bond between siblings.
Families come together to share sweets, exchange gifts, light fireworks, and fill homes with shimmering lights, symbolizing hope and unity. And in the wake of the current state of the world, we’ve never been more convinced that Diwali is a practice we could all use more of.
Why It Matters
Diwali is more than just a festival — it’s a time of reflection, renewal, and gratitude. It encourages people to let go of resentment, welcome new beginnings, and share joy and generosity. The glowing lamps represent the illumination of our inner light — a reminder that even in the darkest times, compassion, wisdom, and love can guide the way forward. In the current state of the world, it seems befitting to honor those still sharing their light.
Diwali reminds us that light will always conquer darkness, and good will always prevail over evil.
In honor of Diwali, we are incredibly honored to share a family recipe from Michelin Chef, Chetan Shetty
This recipe is one my mom used to make when was a child in Pune during Diwali. It’s one that takes time, which makes it special to be shared at a table with family and friends for the special holiday.
— Chef Chetan Shetty // Passerine, NYC
Chicken Ghee Roast
Prep time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 mins
Yield: 4-5 servings
MARINADE INGREDIENTS
1 whole chicken washed and cut (about 2 pounds)
3 – 4 Bedagi dry red or Pasilla chilies
3 – 4 Kashmiri dry red chilies
1 tablespoon coriander seed
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 tablespoon black peppercorn
1 tablespoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon fenugreek seed
3 – 4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
5 – 6 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon tamarind pulp or paste
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup dahi or plain yogurt
PREPARATION
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat add both red chilies and dry roast for 2-3 minutes. Stir or shake the pan frequently to prevent burning. Remove the chilies and place in a separate medium bowl.
- In the same saucepan, dry roast the coriander, cumin, black peppercorn, fennel, fenugreek, cloves, and cinnamon until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, also stirring to prevent burning. Remove the spices from the pan and place them with the chilis.
- In a food processor, grind the roasted spices and chilis together along with garlic, ginger, tamarind, and water.Grind into a fine and semi-thick paste. If needed, you can adjust the consistency by more adding water.
- Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl, add Dahi, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and add chicken and lemon juice, coating the protein well with the mixture. Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
GHEE ROAST INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons of Amul ghee
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
About 20 fresh curry leaves
PREPARATION
- In a large saucepan add ghee on medium heat. Add onions and cook until
translucent, stirring frequently, about 3–4 minutes. - Add the marinated chicken with the marinade liquid and continue to cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Cover and cook for faster and evencooking.
- You will see the liquid will begin to reduce and the oils will start to separate.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add fresh curry leaves and mix well. Cook further about 2-3 minutes to incorporate.
- Serve chicken with rice or dosa.
We also wanted to share two new whisky cocktails created specifically for the occasion by Chef Chetan Shetty of NYC’s acclaimed Passerine. Known for redefining Indian cuisine through his Maharashtrian heritage and global influences, Chef Shetty has extended his inventive palate to the bar with two cocktails that capture the warmth of the holiday.
- Gilded Flame – A bright, effervescent highball where Dewar’s 12 Year Old meets St-Germain, yuzu soda, and a touch of lemon. Light, floral, and citrusy, it’s designed to sparkle as brightly as the festival itself.
- Amber Spark – A richly spiced serve that combines Dewar’s 12 Year Old with mango liqueur, grapefruit, ginger, and cardamom bitters. The result is a jewel-toned cocktail that’s warming, complex, and perfect for festive gatherings.
The inclusion of Scotch whisky in these cocktails also reflects the spirit’s growing appreciation in India, where it’s increasingly woven into moments of celebration and modern mixology. Its smooth, layered character beautifully complements the bold, spiced flavors central to Indian cuisine and festive gatherings alike.
Chef Chetan Shetty | @chefchetanshetty
Executive Chef Chetan Shetty is a revered figure in Indian cuisine, renowned for his innovative take on the country’s cuisine. He has left an indelible mark on top restaurants in both the United States and India, continuously pushing the boundaries of Indian gastronomy and its perception.
His culinary journey began with an education in hospitality and hotel administration, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. After graduating, he worked in kitchens around the world – first as a sous chef at New York City’s acclaimed Indian Accent where he went on to oversee the kitchens in both New York & New Delhi for nearly ten years.
After more than a decade at Indian Accent, Chetan moved to Washington D.C. for the role of Executive Chef at Rania. Under his purview, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2023 – one of only three Indian restaurants in America to gain the distinction.
Chef Chetan returned to New York City in 2024 to lead the culinary team at Passerine. Here, he has created a menu anchored by spice blends ground by his mother in his hometown of Pune.
