My Diwali

Diwali is time for MasterChef winner Sashi Cheliah to hit the pause button

Sashikumar Cheliah, the 2018 champion of Australian MasterChef, shares his Diwali tips and traditions with Dilpreet Taggar and Preeti Jabbal in this episode of 'My Diwali.' Sashi has a diverse background, having grown up in Singapore with roots in Tamil Nadu, India. In this discussion, we will explore his journey since his remarkable win, as well as his memories of celebrating Diwali with family and friends.

For Pallavi Sharda, Diwali is the time to look inward

For Pallavi Sharda, Diwali is more than just rituals and celebrations; it has always been a gateway to her heritage. As the first Australian-born actress of Indian heritage to lead in Bollywood films, Pallavi has navigated multiple worlds, and the essence of Vedic festivals like Diwali continually grounds her. In this episode, she shares with Dilpreet her deep connection to the spirituality of her roots and, in a world full of online noise and distractions, encourages us all to pause, reflect, and look inward this Diwali.

Fuzz Ali's Indo-Fijian Diwali is beyond faith and borders

For Fuzz Ali, Diwali transcends mere celebration; it’s a cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of life in Fiji. Growing up in Suva, where the festival is a national holiday, Fuzz reflects on how these traditions shape his identity as an Indo-Fijian artist now living in Australia. With a festive backdrop of fireworks, colourful sarees, and community spirit, Fuzz shares his journey of embracing his dual heritage and advocating for South Asian visibility. Join us on My Diwali with hosts Dilpreet Kaur Taggar and Preeti Jabbal as we explore what Diwali means through Fuzz’s unique lens.

Ananya Anand found love in Diwali lockdown, celebrations continue

Diwali brought more than light into Ananya Anand’s life – it brought love. During Melbourne’s lockdown in 2020, Ananya found herself unexpectedly staying longer, discovering a connection that led to her now-husband. Since then, she’s blended her traditions with new ones, celebrating Diwali with fusion dishes like butter chicken pies and paneer tikka tacos. Listen in as Ananya shares her story of love, food, and a Melbourne Diwali that brings together everything she cherishes, on My Diwali with Dilpreet Kaur Taggar and Preeti Jabbal.

Why is it essential to go beyond tokenism and embrace inclusivity in Diwali celebrations

Div Pillay, CEO of MindTribes and Co-Founder of Culturally Diverse Women shares her Diwali spirit with Dilpreet Taggar and Preeti Jabbal in this episode of 'My Diwali'. Div discusses how the true spirit of the festival is rooted in caring, sharing, and spreading happiness. We also explore what an inclusive celebration of Diwali looks like, its commercial benefits in Australia, and strategies for workplaces to embrace diversity and equity.