From Diwali to Eid, shared traditions invite participation, foster understanding and celebrate common human values
Across South Asia, religious festivals are not only expressions of faith, but also powerful moments of cultural connection, said a professor and student from BYU–Hawaii.
Diwali and Holi
Joel Campbell, an associate visiting professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters said celebrations such as Diwali, Holi, Eid and Vesak carry deep spiritual meaning within their traditions, yet they also open their doors to people of other beliefs creating spaces of inclusion, learning and shared joy.
He shared his knowledge participating in some South Asian celebrations. “Diwali is a Hindu tradition but also celebrated by others not of the faith. It is linked to the return of Rama defeating Ravana. It’s the victory of light over darkness,” he said.
According to NPR, Diwali also known as Deepavali and the Hindu Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most widely celebrated holidays. The site continues, the celebration overlaps with the other ritual harvests and festivals and originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. “The annual festival that extends to the Indian diaspora is usually observed for five days though celebrations can vary depending on location and traditions,” the site adds.
Campbell said like Diwali, other festivals like Holi’s significance extend beyond Hinduism. “Holi is recognized for the colors and carries both religious and social meaning. It’s a harvest festival and a moment of social renewal where you can goof off and throw around colors regardless of social class,” he added.
Sahithi Pusapally, a freshman from India majoring computer science shared her personal experience growing up around these traditions. “Both Diwali and Holi are about victory of good over evil. It’s also about letting go of bad habits and starting fresh. Many people use this time to make changes in their lives, like a new beginning,” she explained.
Pusapally described how these festivals are celebrated in daily life. “For Holi, we celebrate with colors—colored powder on each other. These are usually dyes or natural powders. When I was a kid, the colors wouldn’t wash off for a week! So, we used to apply oil on our skin first,” she explained.
For Diwali, she continued, the festival is celebrated with sweets, food, fireworks and clay lamps. “The lamps are placed around the house to light it up,” she added.
Celebrating with respect
Pusapally said experience also highlights how these traditions extend across religious lines. “I was actually born Christian, while most of my family is Hindu. When I visit relatives, they invite me and explain everything, at first, I was hesitant, but they made it fun and welcoming.”
Pusapally said openness helps bridge differences. “Even though I’m Christian, I respect my family’s beliefs. I don’t participate in worship practices, but I join in celebrations like food and family time. They respect my beliefs, and I respect theirs,” she said. Pusapally said that hospitality is central to Holi and Diwali. “In India, we treat guests as if they are gods. It’s our responsibility to make them feel comfortable and explain why we do things,” she explained.
Campbell echoed this idea that entering sacred spaces with respect fosters empathy and connection. He referenced the concept of holy envy, coined by scholar Krister Stendahl encouraging people to appreciate meaningful aspects of other faiths without comparison. “We’re all connected to something divine. Whether it’d be different names, beliefs, but ultimately a shared sense of meaning,” Campbell said.
Pusapally added, “Life is short. Don’t let a religion divide you and just enjoy and connect with people. These festivals teach us to let go of negativity and start fresh,” she shared.
Eid and Vesak
For Muslims, Campbell said the celebration marks moments of reflection and celebration tied to faith and sacrifice. “Eid al Fitr is at the end of Ramadan and marks the end of fasting. It originated with the Prophet Muhammad. For Eid al Adha, it celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Issac in obedience to God,” he added.
Campbell also shared his experience with Vesak, a celebration commemorating the life of Buddha. “I was in Seoul as a missionary during Buddha’s birthday and went to the main temple in downtown Seoul. We saw lanterns and what you do is to light a lantern and pin little prayers into it,” he explained.
BBC explains that Buddhists do not believe in a single creator god but instead follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, a prince believed to have lived in the fifth century B.C. in present-day Nepal. “Vesak is celebrated once a year and marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. The date changes annually and is observed across many countries in Asia, including India, Thailand and both South and North Korea,” the BBC adds.
Campbell said Vesak emphasizes compassion and generosity. “What I saw a lot of people praying, putting in prayers and a lot of almsgivings. It’s a time for giving gifts or helping the poor, releasing animals but reinforcing ethical self-cultivation and compassion,” he added.
Beyond their religious significance, these festivals often become inclusive of cultural events, Campbell said. “Many communities actively welcome outsiders. I think a lot of festivals are very intercultural. In places like Salt Lake, Japanese Buddhists and Christians celebrate together. It becomes more cultural than strictly religious,” he added.